Psychedelic use and psychological flexibility: The role of meaningful intention and decentering

In a survey of 114 people who had used classic psychedelics (LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, DMT, ayahuasca, or 5MeO-DMT), having a meaningful intention before the experience and the ability to decenter—to observe thoughts and feelings as temporary events in the mind—were each independently linked to greater psychological flexibility, even after accounting for age, income, religious salience, and number of past psychedelic uses. Psychological flexibility means being consciously aware of thoughts and behaviors and adapting to new situations by considering multiple explanations or solutions. The findings suggest that the mindset and cognitive skills brought to a psychedelic session matter for later well-being.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Background Psychedelic use and its impact on well-being is garnering a lot of research attention, however, little has been done to understand the potential associations between multiple characteristics of the psychedelic experience and psychological flexibility (PF), which encompasses a conscious awareness of thoughts and behavior, allowing individuals to adapt to new experiences and perceive multiple explanations or solutions for life events. Aims The current study examines the psychedelic correlates of PF. It was hypothesized that intention, comfort and safety during the experience, decentering, mystical experiences, ego-dissolution, and insight would be significantly associated with greater reports of PF. Methods Data used for the regression analysis were from 114 participants who had used one of the classic psychedelics (LSD, Psilocybin, Mescaline, DMT, Ayahuasca, 5MeO-DMT) and were recruited from postings on Twitter (now X) and within psychedelic-based groups on Facebook and Reddit to fill out an online survey. Standard assessments used include the Experiences Questionnaire, Mystical Experience Questionnaire, Ego-Dissolution Inventory, Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, Psychological Insight Questionnaire, and Religious Salience Scale. Results After controlling for sociodemographics (age, income, religious salience, number of psychedelic experiences), self-perceived meaningful intention and decentering remained significantly associated with greater psychological flexibility. Conclusions These results expand upon existing literature on psychedelic use and its impact on well-being by exploring specific characteristics of the psychedelic experience. Understanding the importance of intention and decentering can provide a pathway by which psychedelic users, guides, and researchers can further understand the psychedelic experience and its effects.