Inducing selflessness through a numadelic virtual reality experience: a preliminary study

A single multi-person virtual reality experience can induce a state of selflessness—where the sense of self as the immediate subject of experience fades—and enhance interpersonal connectedness. It also increases low-arousal positive affect and warmth, and generates mystical and peak experiences in a notable subset of participants. The experience is widely accepted, with few adverse effects reported. This offers a cost-effective, non-pharmacological alternative to meditation and psychedelics for cultivating selflessness.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Recently, there has been growing scientific interest in studying states of selflessness, where there is no sense of self as the immediate subject of experience. Preliminary findings suggest that this state is associated with increased positive emotions and a sense of connection with the world and all living beings. Given its potential benefits, various practices have been developed to induce or cultivate selflessness, including meditation and psychedelic drugs. However, there is a pressing need to explore alternative cost-effective and non-pharmacological approaches to overcome the limitations of these methods. In this regard, Virtual Reality (VR) presents a promising method capable of creating experiences that may be risky, costly, or otherwise unfeasible in the real world. The present study aims to examine whether a multi-person numadelic VR experience could induce a state of selflessness and to investigate its impact on affect, mystical experiences, and peak experiences. A total of 56 volunteers participated in a VR session and completed several self-report questionnaires before, immediately after, and one week following the experience. Preliminary findings suggest that a single multi-person VR experience can engender selflessness and enhance interpersonal connectedness. Additionally, it increases low-arousal positive affect and warmth, and generates mystical and peak experiences in a notable subset of participants. The experience is also widely accepted, with participants reporting few adverse effects. By providing a new research method for accessing selflessness, this study paves the way for further exploration in this field and contributes to a deeper understanding of this complex psychological experience.