Tripping Towards Transformation: A Synthesis of Psychedelics and Human-Nature Connection
2024 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
Psychedelic substances' ability to enhance human-nature connection (HNC) has only recently been recognized. In an era marked by a deep disconnect between humans and nature, HNC emerges as a powerful tool for a changed paradigm. This paper aims to synthesise psychedelic experiences’ potential for promoting sustainability transformation through HNC by investigating key characteristics of psychedelic experiences in relation to HNC. Being at the frontier of research, literature linking psychedelics to HNC offers limited insights. To address this gap, a meta-synthesis was employed to integrate and elevate existing findings. The approach allowed fragmented data to merge into a cohesive whole through iterative interpretations. Seventeen peer reviewed articles were subject to analysis. Considering the delicate topic, synthesising secondary data was deemed suitable. The meta-synthesis further supported the incorporation of psychedelics into sustainability science. The findings identify six key characteristics: Parameters, Neurological Activity, Transformed Persona, Unifying Experience, Manifestations for Nature, and Perceptions of Nature. The findings suggest psychedelic experiences influence cognitive, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of HNC. Psychedelic experiences’ capability of altering how humans see and interact with nature is highlighted by the results. Points of impact can be before, during, and after the experience. The study further reveals signs of distinct properties of psychedelic HNC. The synthesis presents hypotheses on the link between HNC and psychedelic experiences for future research to test. Psychedelic journeys may trigger normative shifts toward reconnecting humans and nature. The paper concludes that individual psychedelic experiences and their ability to affect HNC, can be viewed as a potent tool for environmental sustainability transformation.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2024. , p. 59
National Category
Environmental Sciences
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-45049OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hig-45049DiVA, id: diva2:1879596
Subject / course
Sustainability science
Educational program
Master in Sustainability Science – Environment and Decision Making
Supervisors
Examiners
2024-07-022024-06-282024-07-02Bibliographically approved