Exploring Factors Affecting Psychological Flexibility After Psychedelic Experiences.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – April 25, 2025
Source: PubMed
Summary
Profound mystical experiences during psychedelic sessions with substances like LSD and psilocybin can lead to lasting improvements in psychological flexibility—our ability to adapt to life's challenges. People who reported more intense mystical experiences showed greater gains in mental adaptability, particularly in the month following their experience. These benefits align with principles of acceptance and commitment therapy.
Abstract
Neurobiological effects and psychological models propose that psychedelics may promote psychological flexibility, suggesting a transdiagnostic effect by disrupting maladaptive patterns. The objective of this study was therefore to investigate the determinants of psychological flexibility change following a psychedelic use. This retrospective online survey included French individuals who had undergone a significant psychedelic experience. Participants were assessed for mystical experience intensity with the MEQ-30, and psychological flexibility via the AAQ-II, at three retrospective time points. Data analysis comprised descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, ANCOVA to evaluate the impact of psychedelic use variables on psychological flexibility, and linear regression to identify predictors of psychological flexibility changes. Data showed a positive correlation between mystical experience intensity and improvements in psychological flexibility, especially 1-month post-experience (p < .01), and during the 6 months before the survey (p < .01). Key predictors of changes in psychological flexibility included baseline AAQ-II scores, MEQ total scores and frequent psychedelic use, underlining the interaction between personal and experiential factors in determining therapeutic outcomes. In conclusion, this study highlights how the intensity of mystical experience and baseline psychological flexibility may be the key factors influencing changes in psychological flexibility post-psychedelic use, suggesting a potential therapeutic value.