Learning from Boundlessness: Psychedelic induced awe and epistemic shifts towards a holistic worldview

Abstract

Abstract Psychedelic substances are increasingly recognized for their potential to catalyse transformative shifts in worldviews. Central to these transformations are states of awe, a self-transcendent, epistemic emotion. This mixed-methods study explored how awe during psychedelic trips relates to lasting changes in boundaries between self and world, and epistemic shifts that follow transformative psychedelic experiences. Ninety participants completed the Awe Experience Scale (AWE-S), Inclusion of Other in Self Scale (IOS), and open-ended questions exploring epistemic changes. Awe, particularly its connectedness and vastness components, was significantly correlated with increased self-other overlap. Thematic Network Analysis revealed three epistemic shifts clusters: (1) dissolution of societal and natural boundaries, (2) expanded awareness and openness to complexity, (3) increased prosociality, compassion and acceptance of difference. These findings suggest psychedelic-induced awe may facilitate cognitive accommodation towards a more holistic worldview. This study highlights the potential of psychedelic experiences to foster prosocial and ecologically aware worldviews through epistemic transformation.