The role of alcohol in expectancy-driven mystical experiences: a pre-registered field study using placebo brain stimulation
Religion Brain & Behavior December 22, 2017 David L. R. Maij, Michiel van Elk, Uffe Schjoedt 32 citations
In a field study at a Dutch festival, 193 participants were led to believe a placebo brain stimulation device (the God Helmet) could induce mystical experiences. Participants reported a range of extraordinary experiences, including out-of-body sensations, involuntary movements, and sensing invisible beings. Self-identified spiritualism predicted these experiences, but neither objective nor subjective alcohol intoxication increased susceptibility to the suggestion. The authors discuss methodological limitations that may explain the lack of an alcohol effect and explore the God Helmet's usefulness for studying extraordinary experiences.