Psychedelic Experiences Increase Mind Perception but do not Change Atheist-Believer Status: A Prospective Longitudinal Study
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – May 07, 2024
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A fascinating longitudinal study reveals a profound psychological shift: psilocybin experiences significantly alter perception, increasing "mind perception" across a variety of entities, from plants to rocks. Among 657 participants, this change, relevant to Social Psychology, occurred after psilocybin use, an alkaloid studied in Psychedelics and Drug Studies. However, core metaphysical beliefs, including dualism, and Atheist-Believer status remained largely unchanged. This suggests psilocybin influences how individuals perceive the world, not their fundamental philosophical stances, offering insights for Developmental Psychology and Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies.
Abstract
Recent studies suggest psychedelic use may be associated with changes in a variety of beliefs or belief-like states, including increased 1) mind perception, 2) non-naturalistic beliefs, and 3) Atheist-Believer status (e.g. believer, agnostic, or nonbeliever). We conducted a prospective longitudinal study among participants (N = 657) who planned to have a psilocybin experience outside a laboratory setting. We asked participants about their beliefs concerning mind perception of various entities, specific metaphysical positions, and Atheist-Believer status both before (and after their experience. Replicating previous findings, we observed increases in mind perception across a variety of living and non-living targets (e.g. plants, rocks). However, we found little to no change in metaphysical beliefs (e.g. dualism) or Atheist-Believer status. Taken together, these findings contrast with those from cross-sectional studies that psilocybin experiences result in changes to Atheist-Believer status and non-naturalistic beliefs but support the relevance of mind perception and mentalization.