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Catalysts for transformation : a systematic literature review exploring the interlinkages and potential role of classic psychedelics to social-ecological sustainability

Nilsson, Marion LU (2020) In Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability MESM02 20201
LUCSUS (Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies)
Abstract
Most of classic psychedelic literature indicate its potential benefit to society and the environment during a time of rapid environmental degradation and climate change– hinting its potential role to sustainability and socio-ecological transformation. There is virtually no study drawing the explicit interlinkages of classic psychedelic research to sustainability science but it is observed that there are overlapping themes to the psychedelic experience and inner-sustainability concepts. Therefore, this paper explores the transformative capacity of psychedelics with the aid of a systematic literature review, 68 scientific articles were identified for analysis. Explicitly elucidating the role of psychedelics to personality & value... (More)
Most of classic psychedelic literature indicate its potential benefit to society and the environment during a time of rapid environmental degradation and climate change– hinting its potential role to sustainability and socio-ecological transformation. There is virtually no study drawing the explicit interlinkages of classic psychedelic research to sustainability science but it is observed that there are overlapping themes to the psychedelic experience and inner-sustainability concepts. Therefore, this paper explores the transformative capacity of psychedelics with the aid of a systematic literature review, 68 scientific articles were identified for analysis. Explicitly elucidating the role of psychedelics to personality & value orientation, connectedness to nature, political perspectives, spiritual significance and worldviews. The objective of this study is to explore the extent to which classic psychedelics catalyze inner transformation and promote systemic change, using the frameworks of Leverage Points. This paper concludes that classic psychedelics have the capacity to influence inner connections, transcend the cognitive mind, promote enduring changes in personality traits, and convey meaning-making. Therefore, it can potentially be used as a tool for deep leverage, influencing systemic change via interventions (e.g. nature relatedness, mindfulness or spirituality). However, careful discernments must be made as classic psychedelics should not be viewed as a solution to our impending crisis but rather be considered and respected for its healing and transformative capacities, enabling one to recognize the needed behavioural changes required to achieve transformation, systemic change and a more sustainable future for all. (Less)
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author
Nilsson, Marion LU
supervisor
organization
course
MESM02 20201
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
(Classic) Psychedelics, Transformation, Connectedness, Spirituality, Worldview, Sustainability Science
publication/series
Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability
report number
2020:049
language
English
id
9031164
date added to LUP
2020-10-27 10:05:50
date last changed
2020-10-27 10:05:50
@misc{9031164,
  abstract     = {{Most of classic psychedelic literature indicate its potential benefit to society and the environment during a time of rapid environmental degradation and climate change– hinting its potential role to sustainability and socio-ecological transformation. There is virtually no study drawing the explicit interlinkages of classic psychedelic research to sustainability science but it is observed that there are overlapping themes to the psychedelic experience and inner-sustainability concepts. Therefore, this paper explores the transformative capacity of psychedelics with the aid of a systematic literature review, 68 scientific articles were identified for analysis. Explicitly elucidating the role of psychedelics to personality & value orientation, connectedness to nature, political perspectives, spiritual significance and worldviews. The objective of this study is to explore the extent to which classic psychedelics catalyze inner transformation and promote systemic change, using the frameworks of Leverage Points. This paper concludes that classic psychedelics have the capacity to influence inner connections, transcend the cognitive mind, promote enduring changes in personality traits, and convey meaning-making. Therefore, it can potentially be used as a tool for deep leverage, influencing systemic change via interventions (e.g. nature relatedness, mindfulness or spirituality). However, careful discernments must be made as classic psychedelics should not be viewed as a solution to our impending crisis but rather be considered and respected for its healing and transformative capacities, enabling one to recognize the needed behavioural changes required to achieve transformation, systemic change and a more sustainable future for all.}},
  author       = {{Nilsson, Marion}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability}},
  title        = {{Catalysts for transformation : a systematic literature review exploring the interlinkages and potential role of classic psychedelics to social-ecological sustainability}},
  year         = {{2020}},
}