Mystical Experiences Without Psychedelics: The Nature of Peak Spiritual Experiences and How Integration Leads to Human Flourishing
Baylor University
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether a guided, non-drug spiritual intervention can facilitate mystical-type experiences and improve well-being in Christian adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does the guided spiritual intervention produce measurable mystical experiences? * Does participation in the intervention and assigned integration program lead to improvements in well-being over time? Researchers will compare a Christian-based integration program to a structured control integration program to determine whether Christian-based integration leads to greater improvements in well-being. Participants will: * Complete baseline questionnaires assessing spiritual experiences, religiosity, and well-being * Complete one in-person session of the "guided invocation for mystical experience" * Be randomly assigned to complete either a Christian-based or control integration program for 4 weeks * Complete follow-up assessments at 1 month and 2 months
Description
Mystical-type experiences involve acute alterations in consciousness characterized by features such as perceived unity, transcendence of time and space, positive affect, and a sense of encountering ultimate reality. These experiences have been associated with sustained changes in psychological well-being and meaning-making. Most contemporary empirical research has examined such experiences in the context of psychedelic substances; however, non-pharmacological methods for facilitating these experiences remain understudied despite historical precedent and preliminary evidence of feasibility. Th…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * age 18 years or older; * active Christian faith; * willing to experience hypnosis; * English-speaking; able to complete one in-person session and 1- and 2-month follow-up assessments. Exclusion Criteria: * prior psychedelic use; * severe mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychosis, borderline personality disorder); * unwillingness to experience hypnosis; * inability to complete study procedures
Interventions
- BehavioralGuided Invocation for Mystical Experience
Participants will complete a single, in-person Guided Invocation for Mystical Experience (GIME) session conducted by a trained practitioner using a standardized protocol. The session includes an initial briefing and rapport-building period, followed by a structured breathing exercise (approximately 8 minutes) designed to facilitate a non-ordinary state of consciousness. Participants then receive guided imagery and verbal suggestions intended to promote relaxation, absorption, and experiential openness. The practitioner delivers a standardized script targeting features commonly associated with mystical-type experiences (e.g., unity, positive affect, and altered perception of time and space). The session includes a brief period of silent introspection, followed by re-alerting procedures. The total session duration is approximately 60 minutes.
Location
- Mind-Body Medicine Research LaboratoryWaco, Texas