Technodelic Transformation: A Study on Virtual Reality for Psychological Well-Being

Author/Creator

Sandeep Prakash, PhD

Quick Summary

Research confirms the efficacy of Virtual Reality (VR) in treating mental health disorders, highlighting its potential as an embodied medicine for transformative experiences similar to psychedelics. The study investigates the effects of SoundSelf VR, focusing on its impact on psychological well-being, transformative processes, and the relationship between non-ordinary states of consciousness and mental health, using a participatory research methodology.

Abstract

Psychological research on Virtual Reality (VR) has confirmed its efficacy in treating a variety of mental health disorders. The current resurgence of scientific interest in VR, along with advances in technology and consumer adoption, has revealed a more far-reaching potential of VR: an embodied medicine for transformative experiences analogous to psychedelic experience.

This dissertation study explores the transformative process facilitated by experiences of a VR application, SoundSelf VR, where the user employs vocal toning to move through a psychedelic, immersive, interactive, and multi-sensory meditation. After presenting the background context, the literature review introduces research on VR, transpersonal approaches to non-ordinary states of consciousness, and a participatory framework to examine processes of transformation.

The methodology section explains the cooperative inquiry protocol and quantitative metrics. The results and discussion sections advance an understanding of (a) the relationship between SoundSelf VR and psychological well-being, as indicated by quantitative outcome measures and qualitative outcomes; (b) the core themes of transformative process ensuing from long-term SoundSelf VR use; (c) the relationship, over time, among transpersonal events, non-ordinary states of consciousness, and psychological well-being; and (d) the value of a participatory research methodology in researching and designing transformative VR applications, particularly when they evoke non-ordinary states of consciousness.