The Varieties of Spiritual Experience - 21st Century Research and Perspectives

This book explores scientific breakthroughs on spiritual experiences from the fields of psychology and neuroscience, beginning with an account of William James's foundational work before turning to cutting-edge research using neuroimaging, psychedelics, and large surveys. Illustrated with examples of spiritual experiences drawn from a diverse set of personal accounts, this book provides the basis for a scientifically informed contemporary understanding of these mysterious and deeply meaningful moments.

About the author

David B. Yaden, PhD is an Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. His research focus is on how brief inner experiences, or 'altered states of consciousness, ' can have long-term positive impacts. He currently studies the subjective effects and treatment potential of psychedelics. His work has been featured in outlets such as The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, CNN, NPR, BBC, and The New York Times.

Andrew B. Newberg, MD is a Professor in the Department of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences and the Research Director at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at Thomas Jefferson University. He has published 12 books which have been translated into 17 different languages, including the best-selling books: How God Changes Your Brain and Why God Won't Go Away. He has appeared on Good Morning America, Nightline, CNN, and others. His work has also been featured in outlets such as Newsweek, Time, National Geographic, Discover, and The New York Times.

Product details

• Authors: Andrew Newberg, David B. Yaden
• Publisher: Oxford Academic
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Release: 17.09.2025
• EAN: 9780197831595
• ISBN: 978-0-19-783159-5
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Psychology > Theoretical psychology; BODY, MIND & SPIRIT / Spiritualism, RELIGION / Spirituality, Spiritualism, PSYCHOLOGY / Cognitive Psychology & Cognition, RELIGION / Psychology of Religion, Spirituality & religious experience, Cognition & cognitive psychology, Chakras, auras & spiritual energy, Cognition and cognitive psychology, Spirituality and religious experience, Chakras, auras and spiritual energy