From Flow States to Visionary Experiences: The Ethical Challenges of Understanding and Managing Emergent Phenomena in Healthcare
April 26, 2026 Olivier Sandilands, Julieta Galante, Brian Spittles et al. preprint
Emergent phenomena, experiences, and effects (EPEEs)—including flow states, energetic phenomena, and visionary experiences—arise from diverse causes such as meditation, psychedelics, stress, or major life changes. While some EPEEs are therapeutic and linked to positive development and flourishing, others cause distress and can overlap with psychiatric symptoms. Despite their prevalence, EPEEs are underrecognized in clinical settings, leaving many without adequate support. This paper argues that the lack of clinical awareness and research into EPEEs violates ethical principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice, limiting informed consent and equitable care. It calls for a dedicated research agenda to address the risks and benefits of EPEEs.