A Qualitative Study of Intention and Impact of Ayahuasca Use by Westerners
April 1, 2021 Geoff J. Bathje, Jon Fenton, Daniel Pillersdorf et al. 23 citations preprint
Western participants in facilitated group ayahuasca experiences reported a wide range of lasting beneficial impacts, including improvements in mental health, substance use, health behaviors, interpersonal relationships, sense of self, and attitude, as well as changes in creativity, somatic sensations, physical health, connection to nature, spirituality, and concern for the greater good. Two of the 41 participants reported problematic experiences tied to set and setting. The findings suggest that ayahuasca can produce sustained therapeutic-like effects beyond those typically addressed in psychotherapy, though the study is qualitative and does not establish causality.