existwell
@existwell.bsky.social
Science of psychedelics & other altered states of consciousness
Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research
@jhpsychedelics.bsky.social
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Oxford Uehiro Institute
Yaden Lab
www.YadenLab.com
Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research
@jhpsychedelics.bsky.social
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Oxford Uehiro Institute
Yaden Lab
www.YadenLab.com
Lots of discussion of the cross-sectional, retrospective survey showing evidence for metaphysical belief change after psychedelic experiences...
(picture on left)
But few know of the better quality prospective longitudinal study showing NO evidence for belief change!
(picture on right)
(picture on left)
But few know of the better quality prospective longitudinal study showing NO evidence for belief change!
(picture on right)
November 13, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Lots of discussion of the cross-sectional, retrospective survey showing evidence for metaphysical belief change after psychedelic experiences...
(picture on left)
But few know of the better quality prospective longitudinal study showing NO evidence for belief change!
(picture on right)
(picture on left)
But few know of the better quality prospective longitudinal study showing NO evidence for belief change!
(picture on right)
Postdoctoral Fellowship Opportunity
We are looking for excellent MD Psychiatrist applicants to work & train at the CPCR at Johns Hopkins
@jhpsychedelics.bsky.social, the largest and most comprehensive psychedelic research program in the world.
Email Dr. Sandeep Nayak smn@jhmi.edu
We are looking for excellent MD Psychiatrist applicants to work & train at the CPCR at Johns Hopkins
@jhpsychedelics.bsky.social, the largest and most comprehensive psychedelic research program in the world.
Email Dr. Sandeep Nayak smn@jhmi.edu
October 30, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Postdoctoral Fellowship Opportunity
We are looking for excellent MD Psychiatrist applicants to work & train at the CPCR at Johns Hopkins
@jhpsychedelics.bsky.social, the largest and most comprehensive psychedelic research program in the world.
Email Dr. Sandeep Nayak smn@jhmi.edu
We are looking for excellent MD Psychiatrist applicants to work & train at the CPCR at Johns Hopkins
@jhpsychedelics.bsky.social, the largest and most comprehensive psychedelic research program in the world.
Email Dr. Sandeep Nayak smn@jhmi.edu
On the second anniversary of Roland Griffiths' death, I'm taking the opportunity to reflect on the value of scientific curiosity and the virtue of constant curiosity about life in general that he seemed to me to so consistently embody.
October 21, 2025 at 9:09 PM
On the second anniversary of Roland Griffiths' death, I'm taking the opportunity to reflect on the value of scientific curiosity and the virtue of constant curiosity about life in general that he seemed to me to so consistently embody.
We conclude by reiterating our appreciation for the topic Feltz & Cokely have raised. We find it frankly bizarre that it isn't more discussed! They have done great empirical work and nice review of parts of the xphi lit. We view the implications discussion as an important one-
September 29, 2025 at 4:43 PM
We conclude by reiterating our appreciation for the topic Feltz & Cokely have raised. We find it frankly bizarre that it isn't more discussed! They have done great empirical work and nice review of parts of the xphi lit. We view the implications discussion as an important one-
Notably, in our survey of professional philosophers, most (~68%) of the sample thought that these kinds of associations between psychological factors and beliefs would have philosophical implications
September 29, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Notably, in our survey of professional philosophers, most (~68%) of the sample thought that these kinds of associations between psychological factors and beliefs would have philosophical implications
New in Philosophical Psychology: Derek Anderson & I review Feltz & Cokely’s Diversity and Disagreement (OUP, 2024). We applaud their empirical rigor linking personality & philosophical views, but question their (to our minds) overly hasty and sweeping philosophical conclusions.🧵
September 29, 2025 at 4:38 PM
New in Philosophical Psychology: Derek Anderson & I review Feltz & Cokely’s Diversity and Disagreement (OUP, 2024). We applaud their empirical rigor linking personality & philosophical views, but question their (to our minds) overly hasty and sweeping philosophical conclusions.🧵
Back from fantastic conferences and talks at Oxford and a visit to Edinburgh while writing up new work at Uehiro!
My book just came out today on paperback and on sale in the UK 🇬🇧
www.amazon.co.uk/Varieties-Sp...
My book just came out today on paperback and on sale in the UK 🇬🇧
www.amazon.co.uk/Varieties-Sp...
September 17, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Back from fantastic conferences and talks at Oxford and a visit to Edinburgh while writing up new work at Uehiro!
My book just came out today on paperback and on sale in the UK 🇬🇧
www.amazon.co.uk/Varieties-Sp...
My book just came out today on paperback and on sale in the UK 🇬🇧
www.amazon.co.uk/Varieties-Sp...
On sale now at Amazon and from Oxford:
www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0197...
www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0197...
August 22, 2025 at 4:57 PM
On sale now at Amazon and from Oxford:
www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0197...
www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0197...
My book is now out in paperback in the US! It reviews the history + current research (mostly psych) on altered states of consciousness. If curious about the science of ASC, you may find it useful–and it's now in a more accessible form.
Grateful for @sbkaufman.bsky.social's generous words:
Grateful for @sbkaufman.bsky.social's generous words:
August 22, 2025 at 4:17 PM
My book is now out in paperback in the US! It reviews the history + current research (mostly psych) on altered states of consciousness. If curious about the science of ASC, you may find it useful–and it's now in a more accessible form.
Grateful for @sbkaufman.bsky.social's generous words:
Grateful for @sbkaufman.bsky.social's generous words:
Here are instructions & response options for Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ) & Eleven Dimensional Altered State of Consciousness Scale (11D-ASC; EDI is similar to this one):
Ignoring the (problematic) items, which instructions and response options seem better and why?
Ignoring the (problematic) items, which instructions and response options seem better and why?
August 21, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Here are instructions & response options for Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ) & Eleven Dimensional Altered State of Consciousness Scale (11D-ASC; EDI is similar to this one):
Ignoring the (problematic) items, which instructions and response options seem better and why?
Ignoring the (problematic) items, which instructions and response options seem better and why?
On sale now on Amazon and at Oxford University Press!
- Oxford: global.oup.com/academic/pro...
- Amazon: amazon.com/Varieties-Sp...
- Oxford: global.oup.com/academic/pro...
- Amazon: amazon.com/Varieties-Sp...
August 19, 2025 at 2:52 PM
On sale now on Amazon and at Oxford University Press!
- Oxford: global.oup.com/academic/pro...
- Amazon: amazon.com/Varieties-Sp...
- Oxford: global.oup.com/academic/pro...
- Amazon: amazon.com/Varieties-Sp...
Susan Cain @susancain.bsky.social on my book, coming out in paperback this Friday!
In many ways, my book is a bland assessment of the current state of research literature (with William James's brilliant insights throughout).
But if you're interested in this topic, it's a very thorough overview-
In many ways, my book is a bland assessment of the current state of research literature (with William James's brilliant insights throughout).
But if you're interested in this topic, it's a very thorough overview-
August 19, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Susan Cain @susancain.bsky.social on my book, coming out in paperback this Friday!
In many ways, my book is a bland assessment of the current state of research literature (with William James's brilliant insights throughout).
But if you're interested in this topic, it's a very thorough overview-
In many ways, my book is a bland assessment of the current state of research literature (with William James's brilliant insights throughout).
But if you're interested in this topic, it's a very thorough overview-
Interested in what psychology, neuroscience, and psychopharmacology know ––and don't know––about intense & meaningful altered states of consciousness?
The paperback version of: The Varieties of Spiritual Experience: 21st Century Research and Perspectives is available from OUP:
The paperback version of: The Varieties of Spiritual Experience: 21st Century Research and Perspectives is available from OUP:
August 18, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Interested in what psychology, neuroscience, and psychopharmacology know ––and don't know––about intense & meaningful altered states of consciousness?
The paperback version of: The Varieties of Spiritual Experience: 21st Century Research and Perspectives is available from OUP:
The paperback version of: The Varieties of Spiritual Experience: 21st Century Research and Perspectives is available from OUP:
If you’re teaching my book in a course, I’ll try to join you on Zoom to discuss.
If your book club is reading the paperback of the book (out next week), I’ll try to guest-visit your class for Q&A.
I’d love to join some conversations! Just let me know-
If your book club is reading the paperback of the book (out next week), I’ll try to guest-visit your class for Q&A.
I’d love to join some conversations! Just let me know-
August 15, 2025 at 1:37 PM
If you’re teaching my book in a course, I’ll try to join you on Zoom to discuss.
If your book club is reading the paperback of the book (out next week), I’ll try to guest-visit your class for Q&A.
I’d love to join some conversations! Just let me know-
If your book club is reading the paperback of the book (out next week), I’ll try to guest-visit your class for Q&A.
I’d love to join some conversations! Just let me know-
In terms of historical psychologists:
- Almost everyone has heard of Freud
- Many have heard of Jung
- But relatively few know about William James
I wish that were reversed. WJ's thought provides a far better foundation for the science of the mind going forward!
WJ's life was fascinating:
- Almost everyone has heard of Freud
- Many have heard of Jung
- But relatively few know about William James
I wish that were reversed. WJ's thought provides a far better foundation for the science of the mind going forward!
WJ's life was fascinating:
August 14, 2025 at 4:29 PM
In terms of historical psychologists:
- Almost everyone has heard of Freud
- Many have heard of Jung
- But relatively few know about William James
I wish that were reversed. WJ's thought provides a far better foundation for the science of the mind going forward!
WJ's life was fascinating:
- Almost everyone has heard of Freud
- Many have heard of Jung
- But relatively few know about William James
I wish that were reversed. WJ's thought provides a far better foundation for the science of the mind going forward!
WJ's life was fascinating:
Published "Responding to a Variety of Comments on The Varieties,” engaging w/ thoughtful critiques that sharpened arguments and clarified ideas. Grateful for the exchange.
The paperback of The Varieties of Spiritual Experience is out soon—most accessible (cheapest) edition yet!
The paperback of The Varieties of Spiritual Experience is out soon—most accessible (cheapest) edition yet!
August 13, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Published "Responding to a Variety of Comments on The Varieties,” engaging w/ thoughtful critiques that sharpened arguments and clarified ideas. Grateful for the exchange.
The paperback of The Varieties of Spiritual Experience is out soon—most accessible (cheapest) edition yet!
The paperback of The Varieties of Spiritual Experience is out soon—most accessible (cheapest) edition yet!
Does this book offer groundbreaking research? No.
A life-changing self-help plan? No.
A workable taxonomy of spiritual experience? Still no.
The most comprehensive review of the state of the science so far? Quite possibly...
If interested, pre-order paperback at reduced price!
A life-changing self-help plan? No.
A workable taxonomy of spiritual experience? Still no.
The most comprehensive review of the state of the science so far? Quite possibly...
If interested, pre-order paperback at reduced price!
August 12, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Does this book offer groundbreaking research? No.
A life-changing self-help plan? No.
A workable taxonomy of spiritual experience? Still no.
The most comprehensive review of the state of the science so far? Quite possibly...
If interested, pre-order paperback at reduced price!
A life-changing self-help plan? No.
A workable taxonomy of spiritual experience? Still no.
The most comprehensive review of the state of the science so far? Quite possibly...
If interested, pre-order paperback at reduced price!
A truly great event - thanks especially to @seanmcarroll.bsky.social for organizing!
May 31, 2025 at 1:10 PM
A truly great event - thanks especially to @seanmcarroll.bsky.social for organizing!
Deadline TODAY to apply to Psychedelic Science Postdoctoral Fellowship at @jhpsychedelics.bsky.social w/me &
Sandeep Nayak. Dual degrees (MD/PhD) preferred–but all excellent candidates considered.
Salary is low and work is hard, but opportunity to conduct novel & rigorous science extraordinary.
Sandeep Nayak. Dual degrees (MD/PhD) preferred–but all excellent candidates considered.
Salary is low and work is hard, but opportunity to conduct novel & rigorous science extraordinary.
April 22, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Deadline TODAY to apply to Psychedelic Science Postdoctoral Fellowship at @jhpsychedelics.bsky.social w/me &
Sandeep Nayak. Dual degrees (MD/PhD) preferred–but all excellent candidates considered.
Salary is low and work is hard, but opportunity to conduct novel & rigorous science extraordinary.
Sandeep Nayak. Dual degrees (MD/PhD) preferred–but all excellent candidates considered.
Salary is low and work is hard, but opportunity to conduct novel & rigorous science extraordinary.
CPCR Postdoc Sean Goldy presenting at University College London!
April 15, 2025 at 8:44 PM
CPCR Postdoc Sean Goldy presenting at University College London!
🚨 Postdoc Opportunity in Psychedelic Science
Join a leading psychedelic research team at Johns Hopkins @jhpsychedelics.bsky.social. Design and lead experimental studies & clinical trials.
Work with David Yaden, PhD & Sandeep Nayak, MD & others
-Salary: Middling
-Apply: dyaden1@jh.edu
-Pls share!
Join a leading psychedelic research team at Johns Hopkins @jhpsychedelics.bsky.social. Design and lead experimental studies & clinical trials.
Work with David Yaden, PhD & Sandeep Nayak, MD & others
-Salary: Middling
-Apply: dyaden1@jh.edu
-Pls share!
April 15, 2025 at 4:28 PM
🚨 Postdoc Opportunity in Psychedelic Science
Join a leading psychedelic research team at Johns Hopkins @jhpsychedelics.bsky.social. Design and lead experimental studies & clinical trials.
Work with David Yaden, PhD & Sandeep Nayak, MD & others
-Salary: Middling
-Apply: dyaden1@jh.edu
-Pls share!
Join a leading psychedelic research team at Johns Hopkins @jhpsychedelics.bsky.social. Design and lead experimental studies & clinical trials.
Work with David Yaden, PhD & Sandeep Nayak, MD & others
-Salary: Middling
-Apply: dyaden1@jh.edu
-Pls share!
Next up in what is turning out to be our lecture series in computational psychiatry and psychedelics -
Bilal Bari presented today at
@jhpsychedelics.bsky.social
on an information theoretic view of psychopathology: “psychopathology as a rational consequence of cognitive resource limitations”
Bilal Bari presented today at
@jhpsychedelics.bsky.social
on an information theoretic view of psychopathology: “psychopathology as a rational consequence of cognitive resource limitations”
March 14, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Next up in what is turning out to be our lecture series in computational psychiatry and psychedelics -
Bilal Bari presented today at
@jhpsychedelics.bsky.social
on an information theoretic view of psychopathology: “psychopathology as a rational consequence of cognitive resource limitations”
Bilal Bari presented today at
@jhpsychedelics.bsky.social
on an information theoretic view of psychopathology: “psychopathology as a rational consequence of cognitive resource limitations”
Tremendous talk by @philcorlett.bsky.social here at @jhpsychedelics.bsky.social yesterday!
There is so much work to be done in psychedelic science - especially in learning from more mature sciences areas of science about relevant methods and potential mechanisms.
There is so much work to be done in psychedelic science - especially in learning from more mature sciences areas of science about relevant methods and potential mechanisms.
March 13, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Tremendous talk by @philcorlett.bsky.social here at @jhpsychedelics.bsky.social yesterday!
There is so much work to be done in psychedelic science - especially in learning from more mature sciences areas of science about relevant methods and potential mechanisms.
There is so much work to be done in psychedelic science - especially in learning from more mature sciences areas of science about relevant methods and potential mechanisms.
We call for:
1. A psychedelic standards & solutions committee (PSSC) to provide standardized guidance across a range of issues. This could be a public-private partnership
2. NIH support for the large-scale, unbiased, rigorous scientific research that is necessary on this subject
1. A psychedelic standards & solutions committee (PSSC) to provide standardized guidance across a range of issues. This could be a public-private partnership
2. NIH support for the large-scale, unbiased, rigorous scientific research that is necessary on this subject
March 6, 2025 at 9:50 PM
We call for:
1. A psychedelic standards & solutions committee (PSSC) to provide standardized guidance across a range of issues. This could be a public-private partnership
2. NIH support for the large-scale, unbiased, rigorous scientific research that is necessary on this subject
1. A psychedelic standards & solutions committee (PSSC) to provide standardized guidance across a range of issues. This could be a public-private partnership
2. NIH support for the large-scale, unbiased, rigorous scientific research that is necessary on this subject
We’re happy to share the Hub at Oxford for Psychedelic Ethics (HOPE) response to the PATH Caucus’s Request for Information (RFI) on psychedelics.
Our response, linked below, highlights key considerations for the field.
Our response, linked below, highlights key considerations for the field.
March 6, 2025 at 9:50 PM
We’re happy to share the Hub at Oxford for Psychedelic Ethics (HOPE) response to the PATH Caucus’s Request for Information (RFI) on psychedelics.
Our response, linked below, highlights key considerations for the field.
Our response, linked below, highlights key considerations for the field.