Seeing the forest for the trees: An ecological systems theory approach to addressing emergent issues in psychedelic-assisted therapy research
Journal of Psychedelic Studies June 5, 2024 Meghan DellaCrosse, A. Garcia-Romeu, Alan K. Davis 4 citations
A lack of consensus and theoretical clarity in psychedelic-assisted therapy research has led to polarized debates and unusual regulatory recommendations, such as removing psychological and medical safety measures to better study drug effects. This commentary argues that an ecological systems theory approach, adapted from Bronfenbrenner, can make contextual and practical factors explicit and testable in research. The proposed conceptual model aims to improve measurement of acute subjective experience and address limitations in current approaches. The authors suggest this framework could help reconcile conflicting perspectives and enhance safety in ongoing clinical trials.