Exploring the relationship between mental health, drug use, personality, and attitudes towards psilocybin-assisted therapy

Young adults in the Australian Capital Territory generally hold positive attitudes toward psilocybin-assisted therapy. Individuals who are more open to experience and have used recreational drugs are more likely to view psilocybin-assisted therapy favorably. Psychedelic drug use and agreeableness are linked to positive views on psilocybin's safety, legality, and research, while psilocybin use itself is associated with greater perceived knowledge and acceptability of the substance. The survey of 118 young adults suggests that personal experience with drugs and personality traits shape these attitudes.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Background Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, is increasingly discussed in terms of its psychotherapeutic potential; however, little is known about community attitudes towards psilocybin assisted therapy (PAT). Aims To address the question: What are the public's attitudes towards psilocybin and psilocybin-assisted therapy? And what factors explain these attitudes? Methods This study investigated the attitudes of 118 young adults in the Australian Capital Territory through an online survey. Results Participants who were more open to experience and who had used recreational drugs were more likely to have positive attitudes towards all aspects of PAT. Additionally, psychedelic drug use and agreeableness was positively associated with attitudes towards psilocybin safety, legality, and research; and psilocybin use was positively associated with attitudes towards psilocybin knowledge and acceptability. Conclusions This convenience sample of young adults was generally positively disposed towards PAT. People who were more open to experience and who had used recreational or psychedelic drugs had more favourable attitudes towards PAT.