The Acceptability of Psychedelic‐Assisted Therapy Amongst Mental Health Consumers: Utilising the Theory of Planned Behaviour
International Journal of Mental Health Nursing – February 01, 2025
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Three-quarters of mental health consumers desire access to psychedelic-assisted therapies, like those using psilocybin for depression. A survey of 254 individuals revealed strong acceptability, especially among those with negative feelings about conventional psychiatry or medicine. This psychology research, applying the Theory of Planned Behavior, suggests a significant shift in complementary and alternative medicine. Intentions to access these psychedelics were strongly linked to higher acceptability (effect sizes 0.37–1.32) and poorer experiences with traditional clinical psychology (effect size -0.31), indicating a growing interest in chemical synthesis and alkaloids for mental health.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Australian government approval has been granted for 3,4‐methylenedioxy‐methamphetamine (MDMA) treatment of post‐traumatic stress disorder and psilocybin for treatment‐resistant depression, but the process of translating psychedelic‐assisted therapies (PAT) into more widespread use is complex. Along with establishing the efficacy and feasibility of PATs, their acceptability amongst consumers is a crucial factor of successful implementation. This study utilised the Theory of Planned Behaviour to evaluate the acceptability of PATs amongst mental health consumers, identifying potential influences of these attitudes and predictors of PAT uptake. Participants completed an online survey between February and July 2023. Survey items evaluated consumer characteristics, acceptability of PAT (effectiveness, efficacy and social norms) and behavioural intentions to undertake PAT. The 254 participants had a mean age of 42.5 years (SD = 12.8) and 79.1% were female. Three quarters expressed a desire to access PAT. Acceptability scores indicated strong agreement regarding the effectiveness of PAT, social norms that moderately endorsed PAT and mixed feelings about its expected efficacy. Whilst univariate analyses indicated that previous psychedelic experience was associated with increased acceptability of PAT ( d s = 0.63–0.80), multivariate analyses revealed that intentions to access PAT were associated with higher acceptability scores ( d s = 0.37–1.32) and poorer experiences of conventional therapy ( d = −0.31). Although a relatively large portion of participants had used psychedelics recreationally, the desire to access PATs was more strongly related to its acceptability, along with more negative experiences of conventional therapy. This implies that mental health consumers who are looking for alternatives to conventional therapy may view PATs as a desirable option, despite some safety reservations.