Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
April 21, 2025
Einat Karp Barnir, Zohar Rubinstein, Rany Abend et al.
7 citations
Among 343 adult survivors of a single large-scale terrorist attack at a festival, those who had consumed classic psychedelics during the attack reported significantly lower levels of anxiety and post-traumatic symptoms three weeks later, compared to those who took 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or no psychedelics. The protective effect against post-traumatic responses was stronger for participants who did not use other recreational substances alongside the psychedelics. These findings suggest that classic psychedelics may modulate the formation of enduring trauma memories and confer a protective effect against the development of post-traumatic stress and anxiety.
Journal of Psychedelic Studies
March 5, 2024
Aaron D. Cherniak, Mario Mikulincer, Joel Gruneau Brulin et al.
7 citations
People who recall insecure early attachment with parents report more intense psychedelic experiences—mystical, challenging, emotional breakthrough, ego dissolution, and sensed presence—during their most memorable psychedelic session. However, current adult attachment styles (anxiety and avoidance) are unrelated to the intensity of those experiences. The subjective features of naturalistic psychedelic use do not typically weaken the connection between a perceived insecure attachment history and current attachment insecurity. The study surveyed 185 Jewish adults online who had used psychedelics.
December 25, 2021
Aaron D. Cherniak, Joel Gruneau Brulin, Mario Mikulincer et al.
4 citations
preprint
Combining attachment theory with the REBUS model offers a framework for understanding how psychedelic experiences can reshape spiritual and religious beliefs. Attachment theory holds that early caregiving relationships create internal working models that act as mental templates for later interpersonal and divine relationships. Psychedelic therapy may work by loosening rigid, defensive mental patterns—such as insecure attachment to others or God—while corrective relational experiences with a therapist or others amplify this effect. Three research proposals are outlined: individual attachment security predicts how people experience and integrate psychedelic sessions; effective psychedelic therapy should increase attachment security as a measurable outcome; and attachment-related processes—like feeling connected to others or God and reducing attachment-related anxieties—are key mechanisms in psychedelic treatment's clinical benefits.
The Oxford Handbook of Psychedelic, Religious, Spiritual, and Mystical Experiences
December 18, 2024
Aaron D. Cherniak, Robin Carhart-Harris, Joel Gruneau Brulin et al.
2 citations
A theoretical synthesis of attachment theory and the REBUS neuroscientific model offers an organizing framework for psychedelic science. Attachment theory holds that people develop internal working models (IWMs) of relational experiences that function as predictive models shaping social and emotional worlds. Effective psychedelic interventions may induce a hyper-plastic neural state that, supported by corrective relational experiences, facilitates rapid learning and revision of IWMs toward greater security. Three proposals guide future research: individual differences in attachment security predict psychedelic phenomenology and integration; increasing attachment security may be a clinical outcome; and clinical utility involves attachment-related dynamics such as connectedness and alleviation of worries.
Aaron D. Cherniak, Joel Gruneau Brulin, Sebastian Ostlind et al.
preprint
Our early relationships profoundly shape how we connect with others and the divine. This framework proposes that psychedelics could help relax rigid mental patterns formed by these foundational experiences. It suggests an individual's attachment security influences their psychedelic journey, and that effective psychedelic therapy may actually boost this security. The process involves fostering a deeper sense of connection and easing worries, enhancing treatment benefits.