Examining Changes in Personality Following Shamanic Ceremonial Use of Ayahuasca
Research Square (Research Square) – November 30, 2020
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Ayahuasca ceremonies dramatically reduce Neuroticism, a key Big Five personality trait. Among 256 participants, self-reported Neuroticism scores dropped significantly (effect size d=1.00 short-term, d=0.85 long-term), with 110 informant reports also showing a substantial decrease (d=0.62). This finding in Psychology and Clinical psychology highlights how psychedelic experiences can moderate personality, offering insights for Psychedelics and Drug Studies and Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. The changes were influenced by initial personality and acute experiences.
Abstract
Abstract The present study examines the association between the ceremonial use of ayahuasca – a decoction combining the Banistereopsis caapi vine and N,N Dimethyltryptamine-containing plants – and changes in personality traits as conceived by the Five-Factor model (FFM); as well as the degree to which demographic characteristics, baseline personality, and acute post-ayahuasca experiences affect personality change. Method: Participants recruited from three ayahuasca healing and spiritual centers in South and Central America (N=256) completed self-report measures of personality at three timepoints (Baseline, Post, 3-Month Follow-up). Informant-report measures of the FFM were also obtained (N=110). Results: Linear mixed models were used to examine changes in personality and the moderation of those changes by covariates. The most pronounced change was a reduction in Neuroticism d self-reportT1-T2 =1.00; d self-reportT1-T3 =.85; d informant-reportT1-T3 =.62), reflected in self- and informant-report data. Moderation of personality change by baseline personality, acute experiences, and purgative experiences was also observed.