Self-transcendent experiences as promoters of ecological wellbeing? Exploration of the evidence and hypotheses to be tested

Abstract

In recent years, much has been written on the role of different mental states and their potential to influence our way of thinking and, perhaps more importantly, the way we act. With the recent acceleration of environmental and mental health issues, alongside the limited effectiveness of existing interventions, an exploration of new approaches to deliver transformative change is required. We therefore explore the emerging potential of a type of mental state known as self-transcendent experiences (STEs) as a driver of ecological wellbeing. We focus on four types of STEs: those facilitated by experiences of flow, awe, and mindfulness, as well as by psychedelic-induced experiences. Some of these experiences can occur naturally, through sometimes unexpected encounters with nature or during immersion in every-day activities that one intrinsically enjoys, as well as through more intentional practices such as meditation or the administration of psychedelics in controlled, legal settings. We explore the evidence base linking each of the four types of STE to ecological wellbeing before proposing potential hypotheses to be tested to understand why STEs can have such beneficial effects. We end by looking at the factors that might need to be considered if STEs are going to be practically implemented as a means of achieving ecological wellbeing.

Psychedelic unselfing: self-transcendence and change of values in psychedelic experiences

“…Nature immersion has been observed to lead to not only pro-environmental behavior but also generosity, prosocial values, and more intrinsic values in general ( Weinstein et al, 2009 ; Zhang et al, 2014 ; Lumber et al, 2017 ; Kettner et al, 2019 ). Isham et al (2022) argue that STEs can promote ecological wellbeing, a notion intrinsically associated with considering non-egocentric matters such as other beings and nature, and review evidence for STEs possessing a general tendency to enhance pro-environmental and self-transcendent values.…”

“…Psychedelic experiences are a significant source of STEs ( Yaden et al, 2017 ; Letheby, 2017 , 2021 ; St. Arnaud, 2019 ; Isham et al, 2022 ). Psychedelics often induce various changes in the sense of self, ranging from experiences of connection to union experienced in mystical experiences ( Millière, 2017 ; Millière et al, 2018 ; Letheby, 2021 , 46–53; Nour and Carhart-Harris, 2017 ).…”

“…Similarly, states of self-transcendence and reduced egocentricity have been empirically linked to increased wellbeing (Leary and Guadagno, 2011, 139;Wong, 2016;Yaden et al, 2017;St. Arnaud, 2019;Isham et al, 2022).…”

Flow Experiences in Shopping Activities: Testing Materialistic Goal Orientation as an Antecedent

“…Tourists' experiences of flow during a trip to South Korea has been positively linked to their engagement in pro-environmental behaviours whilst at their destination (Kim & Thapa, 2018). Emerging findings are also starting to document an increase in self-transcendent values (which prioritise the wellbeing of other people and the environment) as people come to experience flow more frequently (Isham & Jackson, 2023).…”

Nurturing wellbeing amidst the climate crisis: on the need for a focus on wellbeing in the field of climate psychology

“…Psychological research documents multiple ways in which feelings of connectedness can be enhanced ( Isham et al, 2022a ). These include experiences of awe that are commonly elicited by encounters with nature, arts, or extraordinary talent ( Chirico and Yaden, 2018 ).…”