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Sunil Thaker, Maxi Heitmayer, Terry Hanley
Research explores how Multi-Sensory Extended Reality (MSXR) can induce Peak Experiences and altered states of consciousness to improve mental health. The study uses a qualitative phenomenological approach to capture participants' experiences and perceived therapeutic benefits, aiming to enhance the role of immersive technologies in mental health interventions and contribute to counseling psychology and consciousness studies.
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Abstract
As poor mental health levels rise, technology may provide healing and personal growth for people by affording them non-ordinary states of consciousness. This doctoral research will investigate the potential for Multi-Sensory Extended Reality (MSXR) to induce Peak Experiences (PEs) and altered states of consciousness (ASCs), contributing to therapeutic innovation and user engagement in interactive media. Drawing on Abraham Maslow’s humanistic framework, and notions of PE, this study will explore whether immersive experiences combining sound, vision, and somatic interaction can evoke transformative states of consciousness and moments of PE. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, the project will capture participants’ lived experiences through MSXR engagements and investigates perceived therapeutic benefits. By positioning MSXR within human-centred computing and Digitally Induced Altered States of Consciousness (DIAL), this research aims to expand the role of immersive technologies in mental health interventions, contributing to the fields of counselling psychology, interactive media, and consciousness studies.
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