Aesthetic Chills: A Replicable Path to Self-Transcendence
Christov-Moore, L.1, Schoeller, F.1, Reggente, N. 1
1Institute For Advanced Consciousness Studies, Santa Monica, CA, USA
PrePrint: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/y9b7q
Quick Summary
Self-transcendence (ST), a positive altered state of ego-dissolution, interconnectedness, and moral elevation, mediates well-being, resilience, and pro-sociality1. While ST arises from major life events, psychedelic and mystical experiences, and advanced meditation, these are not universally accessible. Here we show that aesthetic chills induced by film and music replicate the classical features of ST, democratizing its study.