Learning from boundlessness: epistemic shifts towards a holistic worldview following psychedelic experiences
E. K. Argyri, F. Fraser, S. Schilling, Aline Frick, O. C. Robinson, L. Roseman, C. J. A. Morgan
npj Mental Health Research January 29, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1038/s44184-026-00186-6 via OpenAlex
Summary
Psychedelic experiences can lead to significant changes in how individuals perceive themselves and their connections to others. In a study with 90 participants, those who reported feelings of vastness and connectedness during their psychedelic experiences also felt a greater overlap between themselves and others afterward. Thematic analysis identified three main shifts: increased awareness and complexity, the breakdown of societal and natural boundaries, and enhanced prosocial behaviors like compassion. These findings suggest that psychedelics may help foster more interconnected worldviews.
Study at a glance
| Design | mixed-methods study |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 90 |
| Population | individuals who have experienced psychedelics |
| Key finding | The vastness and connectedness components of awe from psychedelic experiences were positively associated with perceived self-other overlap post-experience. |
Abstract
Psychedelic substances are increasingly recognized for their potential to catalyse transformative shifts in worldviews. Central to these transformations may be the integration of self-transcendent states. This mixed-methods study explored transformative psychedelic experiences, focussing on subsequent epistemic shifts. Ninety participants completed the Awe Experience Scale (AWE-S), and the Inclusion of Other in Self Scale (IOS) and open-ended questions exploring epistemic changes. The vastness and connectedness components of awe recalled from the acute psychedelic experience were significantly positively associated with perceived self-other overlap post-experience. Thematic Network Analysis revealed three epistemic shift clusters: (1) expanded awareness and openness to complexity, (2) dissolution of societal and natural boundaries, (3) increased prosociality, compassion and acceptance of difference. Together, these patterns suggest that boundary-expanding experiences can promote reflective meaning-making towards more holistic, interconnected frameworks of understanding self, others, and the world. We discuss the potential of psychedelic experiences to foster prosocial and ecologically aware worldviews, and highlight the need for further research to identify culturally attuned resources for supporting the integration of transformative psychedelic experiences.