Exploring the relationship between microdosing, personality and emotional insight: A prospective study
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – March 26, 2021
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Microdosing psychedelics appears to shift fundamental aspects of Personality. Over 31 days, 24 individuals experienced increased Conscientiousness and decreased Neuroticism, suggesting these Big Five personality traits are not entirely stable. Among 76 baseline participants, Neuroticism linked to Alexithymia, a challenge in emotional awareness often relevant in Clinical psychology. Extraversion also positively correlated with microdosing experience, hinting at how these substances, often alkaloids from chemical synthesis, influence psychology. This area of Drug Studies may offer insights into brain disorders involving Tryptophan pathways.
Abstract
Abstract Backround and aims Having entered the recent public and research zeitgeist, microdosing involves consuming sub-perceptual doses of psychedelic drugs, allegedly to enhance performance, creativity, and wellbeing. The results of research to date have been mixed. Whereas most studies have reported positive impacts of microdosing, some microdosers have also reported adverse effects. In addition, research to date has revealed inconsistent patterns of change in personality traits. This prospective study explored the relationship between microdosing, personality change, and emotional awareness. Methods Measures of personality and alexithymia were collected at two time points. 76 microdosers participated at baseline. Invitations to a follow-up survey were sent out after 31 days, and 24 participants were retained. Results Conscientiousness increased, while neuroticism decreased across these time points ( n = 24). At baseline ( N = 76), neuroticism was associated with alexithymia. In addition, neuroticism correlated negatively with duration of prior microdosing experience, and extraversion correlated positively with both duration of prior microdosing experience and lifetime number of microdoses. Conclusion These results suggest that microdosing might have an impact on otherwise stable personality traits.