Ayahuasca may help to improve self‐compassion and self‐criticism capacities
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental – August 19, 2021
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Ayahuasca significantly enhances self-compassion among users, with 67.4% of 45 participants having prior experience with the brew. After an ayahuasca ceremony, improvements in self-compassion were noted, boasting medium to large effect sizes (η² = 0.184–0.276). Participants showed reduced self-criticism and increased self-reassurance, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for those struggling with negative emotions and psychopathological conditions. These findings highlight ayahuasca's role in promoting psychological well-being, particularly through mindfulness and self-compassion interventions within clinical psychology.
Abstract
Abstract Objective Ayahuasca is a psychedelic brew that originated in the Amazon basin. The psychological effects of this drug are becoming better understood due to the growing research interest in identifying new potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of emotion dysregulation and other disorders. Previous studies suggest that ayahuasca enhances mindfulness‐related capacities (decentering, non‐judging, non‐reacting and acceptance) and emotion regulation. The aim of the present exploratory study was to determine the effects of ayahuasca on self‐compassion in a community sample. Methods We administered validated questionnaires (the Self‐Compassion Scale‐Short Form and Forms of Self‐Criticism and Self‐Reassurance) to evaluate pre‐post changes in self‐compassion and self‐criticism/self‐reassurance in 45 volunteers (27 women; 60%) before and after (≤24 h) an ayahuasca ceremony. Most participants ( n = 29; 67.4%) had previously used ayahuasca. Results Ayahuasca resulted in significant improvements, with medium to large effect sizes ( η 2 = 0.184–0.276), in measures of self‐compassion ( p < 0.05), self‐criticism ( p < 0.01) and self‐reassurance ( p < 0.01). Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that ayahuasca promotes well‐being and self‐compassion, which could have a therapeutic effect on individuals with negative affect and other psychopathological conditions. Large, controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.