Tulpas and Mental Health: A Study of Non-Traumagenic Plural Experiences
Research in psychology and behavioral sciences September 24, 2017 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.12691/rpbs-5-2-1 via OpenAlex 8 citations
Summary
The paper challenges the assumption that only one self exists in each brain, arguing that deviations from mental singularity are often stigmatized and pathologized. It examines tulpamancy, a set of meditative techniques for creating autonomous, conscious entities (tulpas) within the mind. Survey results from the online tulpa community show that over 50% of respondents report a mental illness, and many report improvements in mental health and cognition, especially those with mental or neurodevelopmental disorders. The findings reinforce a correlation between tulpa creation and perceived mental health improvements, with no evidence of a causal link to psychopathology. Tulpas appear compatible with optimal functioning, happiness, and mental health.
Study at a glance
| Design | survey |
|---|---|
| Population | members of the online tulpa community |
| Key finding | Tulpamancy correlates with perceived improvements in mental health and cognition, and there is likely no causal relation between tulpamancy and the development of psychopathology. |
Abstract
Current models of mental health rely heavily on the assumption that only one agent of self exists in every one brain. Deviations from this model of singularity in mind are heavily stigmatized and often considered disordered. This paper opposes this bias by analyzing one form of plurality in consciousness: tulpamancy. Tulpamancy is a collection of meditative techniques used to create and interact with tulpas, which are experienced as fully autonomous and conscious entities within the mind. Research defining the relationship between tulpamancy and mental health is expanded on by analyzing the results of surveys conducted on the online tulpa community. The questionnaires investigate two associations previously found in members of the tulpa community. First, the prevalence of mental illness, which exists in over 50% of the population. Second, the reports of improvements in mental health and cognition, especially amongst those diagnosed with a mental or neurodevelopmental disorder. Study results reinforce the correlation between tulpa creation and perceived improvements in mental health. There is likely no causal relation between tulpamancy and the development of psychopathology. Tulpas are an experience of plurality that seem to coexist with optimal functionality, happiness, and mental health.