Olivier Sandilands

2 papers in the library · 6 citations · publishing 2024-2026

Papers

Documenting and defining emergent phenomenology: theoretical foundations for an extensive research strategy

Frontiers in Psychology July 10, 2024 Olivier Sandilands, Daniel M. Ingram 6 citations

Meditation, psychedelics, and similar practices that alter conscious experience are increasingly used in clinical and non-clinical settings, yet the full range of associated phenomena remains poorly described and understood. There is an ethical mandate to research this domain more extensively, starting with comprehensive documentation. A review of 50 recent clinical or scientific publications, synthesizing reports from over 30,000 individual subjects, produced a large inventory of experiences, effects, after-effects, and impacts across a broad variety of psychoactive compounds, meditative practices, and other modalities. The authors critically discuss existing terminology and argue that specialized vocabularies are needed to ground this nascent research field, proposing the notion of 'emergence' and 'emergent phenomenology' as foundational concepts.

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1340335 Meditation Phenomenology philosophy Experiential learning Psychology +13

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.

DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/g2ev7_v1 Meditation Mindfulness Popularity Limiting +10