Examining Psychedelic-Induced Changes in Social Functioning and Connectedness in a Naturalistic Online Sample Using the Five-Factor Model of Personality
Frontiers in Psychology November 25, 2021 Brandon Weiss, Victoria Amalie Nygart, Lis Marie Pommerencke et al. 47 citations
In an online volunteer sample, naturalistic use of psychedelic compounds was associated with reductions in Neuroticism and increases in Agreeableness and perceived social connectedness over four weeks. These changes covaried, suggesting shared emotion-regulation processes. Preliminary evidence pointed to a specific decrease in critical and quarrelsome interpersonal style, a component of Agreeableness. Baseline levels of Neuroticism, perspective taking, and social connectedness tentatively amplified adaptive changes in those respective traits. Demographic characteristics, social setting, and acute subjective factors showed limited moderating effects. The findings suggest psychedelics might help address interpersonal aspects of personality pathology and loneliness.