Reduced death anxiety as a mediator of the relationship between acute subjective effects of psychedelics and improved subjective well-being
Sam G. Moreton, Andrew Arena, Yolanda Foy, Rachel E. Menzies
Death Studies February 2, 2023 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2023.2169848 via OpenAlex
Summary
Participants who reported meaningful psychedelic experiences showed reductions in death anxiety, which significantly mediated improvements in life satisfaction and positive affect. However, these reductions did not mediate the effects of psychological insight. The findings suggest that lowering death anxiety may contribute to the positive outcomes associated with psychedelic experiences, although further research is necessary to confirm a causal relationship.
Study at a glance
| Design | observational cohort |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 201 |
| Population | participants who completed an online survey about their psychedelic experiences |
| Key finding | Reductions in death anxiety significantly mediated the effects of mystical experience on satisfaction with life and positive affect. |
Abstract
Research over the past several decades suggests that meaningful psychedelic experiences can engender long-term effects on subjective wellbeing. However, less research has investigated the psychological mechanisms through which these effects may emerge. In the present study, participants (N = 201) completed an online survey that retrospectively measured the acute effects of a meaningful psychedelic experience, as well as changes in subjective well-being and death anxiety. Reductions in death anxiety significantly mediated the effects of mystical experience on satisfaction with life, positive affect, and negative affect. Reductions in death anxiety did not mediate any of the effects of psychological insight. Although correlational, the findings are consistent with the hypothesis that some of the benefits of psychedelic-induced mystical experiences on subjective well-being may emerge due to reductions in death anxiety. Nevertheless, further research is needed to establish a causal effect of reduced death anxiety on well-being in the context of psychedelic experiences.