PLoS One
December 6, 2017
Eric L. Garland, Adam W. Hanley, Phillipe R. Goldin et al.
161 citations
A reanalysis of longitudinal data provides evidence for the mindfulness-to-meaning theory, which proposes that mindfulness promotes positive emotion regulation by increasing the ability to notice and savor positive experiences. The findings suggest that mindfulness training enhances positive emotions through this mechanism, supporting the theory's predictions about how mindfulness fosters well-being.
PLoS One
November 23, 2020
Nadine Farnes, Bjørn E. Juel, André S. Nilsen et al.
81 citations
In humans, the psychedelic state induced by ketamine is associated with increased diversity and complexity of spontaneous electroencephalography (EEG) signals, but not of evoked EEG responses. This suggests that ketamine's effects on brain dynamics are specific to ongoing, internally generated neural activity rather than to stimulus-driven responses. The finding points to a potential neural marker of altered consciousness under psychedelics.
PLoS One
December 31, 2014
I-Hsun Li, Kuo-Hsing Ma, Shao-Ju Weng et al.
40 citations
Autophagy activation contributes to the neurotoxicity caused by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, or 'ecstasy') in cultured cortical neurons.
PLoS One
July 7, 2014
Bruno Gingras, Gerald Pohler, W. Tecumseh Fitch
33 citations
Repetitive drumming paired with shamanic instructions produces distinct subjective experiences, such as visions or altered states, but does not lead to a greater reduction in cortisol levels compared to listening to instrumental meditation music. The findings suggest that while the shamanic practice can evoke specific psychological effects, its physiological stress-reducing impact is not superior to that of meditation music.
PLoS One
July 17, 2024
Julieta Galante, Jesus Montero-Marin, Maris Vainre et al.
8 citations
A randomized controlled trial found that participants who completed an 8-week mindfulness-based program reported altered states of consciousness—including experiences of unity, transcendence of time and space, and feelings of bliss—that persisted up to a year later. Compared to a control group, those in the mindfulness program showed significantly higher scores on measures of altered states at both post-intervention and 12-month follow-up. The findings suggest that mindfulness training can produce enduring changes in subjective experience beyond the meditation session itself.
PLoS One
December 5, 2024
Timothy Palmer, Kenza Kadri, Eric Fakra et al.
5 citations
A large online survey of 613 meditators found that certain meditation techniques are linked to more psychotic-like and mystical experiences, while others are linked to fewer psychotic-like experiences. Techniques aimed at reducing mental content, described as 'null-directed' or non-dual, were positively correlated with both psychotic-like and mystical experiences. In contrast, techniques aimed at enhancing cognitive states, described as 'attentional' or strongly embodied, were negatively correlated with psychotic-like experiences. Meditators who practiced for spiritual reasons tended to choose null-directed techniques and reported more psychotic-like experiences, while those who practiced for health reasons chose attentional techniques. Participants generally believed all techniques prevented psychotic-like experiences, but less so for null-directed methods.
PLoS One
July 29, 2024
Sarah Ann Smith, Shaina Smith, Liz Dennett et al.
3 citations
A scoping review protocol describes a plan to systematically map the existing literature on psychedelic drugs as modulators of social cognition in patients with psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. The protocol follows JBI Scoping Review Methodology Group guidelines and will search MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and Scopus, with two-stage screening by two independent reviewers. The goal is to identify what is currently known and any gaps in the literature, potentially leading to new treatments for social cognition defects in clinical populations.
PLoS One
February 12, 2025
Zishan Jiwani, Simon B. Goldberg, Jack Stroud et al.
1 citation
Most meditators who also use psychedelics report that the drugs improve their meditation practice. In a survey of 863 regular meditators who had used psychedelics, 73.5% said psychedelics positively influenced the quality of their meditation. Machine learning analysis of 53 variables identified the strongest predictors of this perceived benefit: greater frequency of psychedelic use, setting intentions before taking psychedelics, having an agreeable personality, and having used N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (N,N-DMT). The results suggest that individual traits and patterns of use shape whether psychedelics are seen as helpful for meditation, but causality cannot be established from this cross-sectional data.
PLoS One
June 30, 2026
David Sjöström, Olea Schau Rybäck, Emma Claesdotter Knutsson et al.
This protocol outlines a planned study to examine the safety and therapeutic potential of psilocybin for treating anorexia nervosa in adolescents and young adults. It describes the rationale, design, and methods for a clinical trial that will assess whether psilocybin-assisted therapy can be safely administered to this population and whether it may help reduce eating disorder symptoms. The protocol specifies participant eligibility criteria, intervention procedures, outcome measures, and safety monitoring. No results are reported as the study has not yet been conducted.
PLoS One
May 29, 2026
Roman Palitsky, Caroline Peacock, Jeffrey A. Breau et al.
Psychedelic facilitation training in the US is an evolving field with common priorities and gaps. Interviews with representatives from 13 established and emerging training organizations revealed shared focuses on careful selection of trainees and faculty, content emphases in instruction, addressing spiritual and existential topics, and teaching strategies. Identified gaps include the need for continuing education for program graduates, parity with other disciplines, and development of field standards. The authors suggest that training programs and trainees would benefit from greater collaboration and ongoing exchange about best practices as the field adjusts to scientific, social, economic, and regulatory developments.
PLoS One
October 23, 2025
Daniel Cullen, Kate Cavanagh, Clara Strauss
A qualitative study explored how National Health Service staff identify with mindfulness in-groups and engage with mindful practices. The findings suggest that social identification with mindfulness groups influences staff members' engagement with these practices, highlighting the role of group identity in sustaining mindfulness in a workplace setting.
PLoS One
February 25, 2025
A link between reduced specificity of autobiographical memory and depression is partly explained by the level of distress caused by nightmares. People who recall fewer specific personal memories tend to experience more nightmare distress, which in turn is associated with greater depressive symptoms.