Alex Sielaff
Alex Sielaff

Psychology 508
I am a Social Psychology Ph.D. student. Before attending university, I served nine years active duty in the U.S. Air Force. As my military contract ended, I became curious about scientific research and saw it as my next place of service. During undergrad at UC Colorado Springs, I learned people often become less afraid of death after taking psychedelics and I began to wonder “how" and "why?” I now conduct research at the intersection of Experimental Existential Psychology and the Psychedelic Sciences where I have developed a theoretical model that answers the how and why.
In addition to my interests with research and teaching in Psychology, I am also earning my Graduate Certificate in Science Communication. Following in the footsteps of Carl Sagan, I want to contribute to a scientifically literate society.
Research Interests:
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The intersection of experimental existential psychology and the psychedelic sciences.
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Using theory and empirical validation to develop a model that explains how and why psychedelics – with a supportive therapeutic context and proper integration – have so much therapeutic value.
*For a research-based overview of Alex's model (starting at 1:37:54):
*For a less technical science communication-based overview:
Selected Publications:
- Sielaff, A., Rothschild, L., Horner, D.E., & Greenberg, J. (2023). A qualitative study of how hospice workers cope with their level of exposure to death. OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying.
- Sielaff, A., Horner, D.E., & Greenberg, J. (2023). Differences in existential perspectives as a function of having a mystical-type experience. Journal of Humanistic Psychology.
- Horner, D.E., Sielaff, A., & Greenberg, J. (2023). Autonomy support for gender expression and managing existential concerns: An initial study among transgender individuals. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 1-20.
- Horner, D.E., Sielaff, A., & Greenberg, J. (2022). Self-determined immortality: Testing the role of autonomy in promoting perceptions of symbolic immortality and well-being. Motivation and Emotion.
- Sielaff, A., Horner, D.E., & Greenberg, J. (2021). The moderating role of mystical-type experiences on the relationship between existential isolation and meaning in life. Personality and Individual Differences.
Courses Taught:
- PSY 352 - Personality (2023)
- PSY 360 - Social Psychology (2023)
- PSY 456 - Psychology of Death and Loss (2022)
*Year listed indicates when this individual last taught the specified course.
Awards and Recognitions:
- Graduate College Fellowship recipient (2023)
Updated: 11/13/23
Degree(s)
- B.A. Psychology, University of Colorado - Colorado Springs
- M.A. Psychology, University of Arizona
- A.A.S. Electronic Systems Technology, Community College of the Air Force