Considering distinct positive emotions in psychedelic science.

This review discusses how psychedelics produce acute subjective effects, including positive emotions such as awe and joy, and outlines the science of positive emotions. Despite a rich literature on distinct emotions and their different correlates and consequences, distinct emotions in psychedelic science remain understudied. Understanding the role of specific positive emotions in psychedelic experiences could help clarify the connection between the acute subjective effects of psychedelics and their therapeutic outcomes, such as decreased depression, anxiety, and substance misuse.

Study at a glance

Abstract

In this review, we discuss psychedelics' acute subjective and persisting therapeutic effects, outline the science of positive emotions, and highlight the value in considering distinct positive emotions in psychedelic science. Psychedelics produce a wide variety of acute subjective effects (i.e. the 'trip'), including positive emotions and affective states such as awe and joy. However, despite a rich literature on distinct emotions and their different correlates and sequelae, distinct emotions in psychedelic science remain understudied. Insofar as psychedelics' acute subjective effects may play a role in their downstream therapeutic effects (e.g. decreased depression, anxiety, and substance misuse), considering the role of distinct positive emotions in psychedelic experiences has the potential to yield more precise statements about psychedelic-related subjective processes and outcomes. We propose here that understanding the role of positive emotions within the context of psychedelic experiences could help elucidate the connection between psychedelics' acute subjective effects and therapeutic outcomes.