The Impact of Phenomenological Control on Altered States, Mystical Experience, Mood and Persisting Effects

Altered states of consciousness can induce profound subjective experiences, have positive  outcomes for mood and cognition and have long-term persisting effects. However, so far  there is little research on individual difference characteristics that might influence the ways that people experience altered states. A new measure, the phenomenological control scale, quantifies the capacity of individuals’ beliefs to subtly shape their perceptual experience. As altered states appear to have potential for positive clinical outcomes and cognitive enhancement, understanding trait factors that may enhance these outcomes will be beneficial. This project examined phenomenological control and altered states across two studies. First,  phenomenological control was examined as a moderator of mystical experiences and  persisting effects in a large online study investigating multiple forms of altered states of  consciousness (spiritual experience, connection to nature, psychoactive drugs and  meditation). Second, I investigated the impact of phenomenological control on acute  measures of mood and altered state experience in a double-blind laboratory study exploring  the effects of low doses of psilocybin. Results across these studies highlight the importance  of phenomenological control in determining the quality of altered states that individuals  experience across a range of contexts.