Increases in Psychological Flexibility Mediate Relationship Between Acute Psychedelic Effects and Decreases in Racial Trauma Symptoms Among People of Color
Alan K. Davis, Yitong Xin, Nathan D. Sepeda, Albert Garcia‐romeu, Monnica T. Williams
Chronic Stress January 1, 2021 DOI: 10.1177/24705470211035607 via OpenAlex
Summary
Among 313 Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), acute psychedelic effects were associated with decreases in racial trauma symptoms. Greater psychological insight and less intense challenging experiences during the psychedelic session predicted larger symptom reductions. Increases in psychological flexibility partially mediated these improvements. The findings suggest psychedelics may help reduce racial trauma in BIPOC, with psychological flexibility playing a key mediating role.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Cross-sectional online survey study Longitudinal Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 313 |
| Population | Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) |
| Keywords | Flexibility engineering Clinical psychology Association psychology Path analysis statistics Medicine |
| Citations | 66 |
| Key finding | Acute psychedelic effects were associated with decreases in racial trauma symptoms among BIPOC, partially mediated by increases in psychological flexibility. |
Abstract
Background Previous research showed acute psychedelic effects were associated with decreases in racial trauma (RT) symptoms among black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). Among samples comprised primarily of white participants, positive outcomes of psychedelic experiences have been mediated by increases in psychological flexibility. Therefore, we examined whether changes in psychological flexibility from before to after a psychedelic experience mediated the relationship between acute psychedelic effects and changes in RT symptoms among BIPOC. Methods This cross-sectional online survey study included 313 BIPOC (mean age = 33.1; SD = 11.2; female = 57%). A multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the association between acute psychedelic effects and decreases in RT symptoms in a nonclinical setting; a path analysis was used to explore whether changes in psychological flexibility mediated this relationship. Results Acute insight and challenging effects were significantly ( p < .001) associated with decreases in RT symptoms following a psychedelic experience. Increases in psychological flexibility partially mediated relationships between greater intensity of psychological insight and less intensity of challenging experiences and decreases in RT symptoms ( ps<.001). Conclusion This research suggests psychedelics confer potential benefits in decreasing RT symptoms among BIPOC and psychological flexibility may be an important mediator of these effects. Future research should test this hypothesis in a longitudinal clinical trial among BIPOC.