Psychedelic Intimacy: Altered States of Consciousness in Romantic Relationships
J. Neubert, Katie Anderson, Natasha L. Mason
August 25, 2023 preprint DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/pd6r9 via OpenAlex
Summary
Couples who used classic psychedelics reported experiences that enhance intimacy, aligning with criteria for interactional intimacy such as self-exposure and shared understanding. The study involved twelve participants from six couples aged 19 to 29, who shared their psychedelic experiences through interviews. Three main themes emerged: navigating anxiety, reshaping practices, and encountering bliss. These findings suggest a need for a new definition of psychedelic intimacy, which could be beneficial in psychedelic-assisted couple's therapy.
Study at a glance
| Design | qualitative study |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 12 |
| Population | six couples aged 19 to 29 who had used psychedelics together |
| Key finding | Couples’ experiences with classic psychedelics align with criteria for interactional intimacy, suggesting the potential for a new definition of psychedelic intimacy. |
Abstract
Objective: Engaging in practices of intimacy meant to develop and sustain intimacy can be beneficial for couples. Psychoactive substances such as 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) have shown to facilitate bonding within couples and it is hypothesised that classic psychedelics, due to their property to increase prosocial behaviours, can similarly promote interactional intimacy. This study explores shared experiences of altered states of consciousness within romantic couples and their impact on intimacy in relationships. Participants: Twelve participants (six couples) between 19 and 29 years of age who had used psychedelics with their current partner, were recruited. Method: Qualitative data was gathered via simultaneous interviews with both members of a couple. The semi-structured interviews featured an in-depth exploration of multiple shared psychedelic experiences. Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to analyse the resulting transcripts. Results: Three primary themes with multiple secondary themes were identified, portraying couple’s experiences during psychedelic-induced altered states of consciousness: navigating anxiety (novelty, preparation, shifting environment, and calming presence), reshaping practices (excessive worrying, spirited discussions, and straight talking), and encountering bliss (meeting the unexpected, the beauty around us, leaving the everyday behind, and breaking through). Conclusions: Couples’ experiences with classic psychedelics align with criteria for interactional intimacy (self-exposure, positive involvement, and shared understanding), but their distinct nature warrants a novel definition of psychedelic intimacy. The unique pair bonding during shared psychedelic experiences could be utilized by psychedelic-assisted couple’s therapy.