Douma, Herman
(2024)
Psychedelic-Induced Experiences Deemed ‘Mystical’ in Psychedelic Science and the Academic Study of Religion: Critical Review, Analysis, and Advice.
Research master thesis, Master Research Master Theologie en Religiewetenschappen.
Abstract
Research on the subjective effects of psychedelics is making a comeback, particularly concerning ‘mystical(-type) experiences.’ However, psychedelic science still relies on limited models and biased sources from the 1960s to measure these experiences. Furthermore, it lacks sufficient engagement with other relevant disciplines. This thesis seeks to improve the measurement of psychedelic-induced experiences deemed ‘mystical’ (PEMs) in contemporary psychedelic science (2015-‘24) by drawing on insights from the academic study of religion. It does this by using discourse analysis and systematic reviews. REVIEW. The researcher-based mystical-constructs of psychedelic science focus mainly on Western Educated Industrialised Rich Democratic (WEIRD) contexts, exclude many non-WEIRD experiences, and hegemonically use Euro-American Christian-Protestant and perennialist (EACP) terms and assumptions. The academic study of religion adds that experiences and settings are highly diverse, and imposing WEIRD constructs on the non-WEIRD can amount to neo-colonial acts. However, it also suggests that theorising about PEMs can assist psychedelic science. ANALYSIS. The contextualisation and criticisms highlight the unreliability of the underlying sources, the entanglement of WEIRD and EACP assumptions in the constructs and research community, the many factors that produce PEMs, and the necessity for a novel methodology. ADVICE. The Building Block Approach is a more suitable methodology for measuring and theorising PEMs in psychedelic science and the academic study of religion. It eliminates researcher-based constructs, prioritises participant categorisations and appraisals, and facilitates theoretical research. Tools like the Inventory of Non-ordinary Experiences, Event Model Analysis, and Appraisal Charts can enhance future research, eliminating many current limitations and biases.
| Type: |
Thesis
(Research master)
|
| Supervisors (RUG): |
|
| Degree programme: |
Master Research Master Theologie en Religiewetenschappen |
| Academic year: |
2023-2024 |
| Date of delivery: |
03 Feb 2026 11:14 |
| Last modified: |
03 Feb 2026 11:14 |
| URI: |
https://rcs.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/809 |
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