Being no one, being One: The role of ego-dissolution and connectedness in the therapeutic effects of psychedelic experience

Both ego-dissolution and connectedness during a psychedelic experience are associated with a higher chance of therapeutic improvement, but they affect people differently. Ego-dissolution tends to trigger psychological change that typically does not last beyond the psychedelic experience, while connectedness can be more sustained and is linked to several positive, potentially therapeutic feelings. A mixed-methods systematic review of 15 studies (2,182 participants) synthesized findings from four databases. The results suggest that emphasizing ego-dissolution during preparation and connectedness during integration may improve psychedelic therapy models, with broader implications for mental health practice.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Background and aims Despite promising findings indicating the therapeutic potential of psychedelic experience across a variety of domains, the mechanisms and factors affecting its efficacy remain unclear. The present paper explores this by focusing on two psychedelic states which have been suggested as therapeutically significant in past literature: ego-dissolution and connectedness. The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of ego-dissolution and connectedness on the therapeutic effects of the psychedelic experience. Methods The investigation was carried out as a mixed methods systematic review, with the data from four databases analysed thematically and results presented through narrative synthesis. Results The analysis and synthesis of findings from 15 unique studies ( n = 2,182) indicated that both ego-dissolution and connectedness are associated with a higher chance of improvement following a psychedelic experience. However, there seem to be differences in the way the two experiences affect individuals psychologically. Ego-dissolution appears to trigger psychological change but does not typically exceed the psychedelic experience in its duration, while connectedness can be more sustained and is associated with several positive, potentially therapeutic feelings. Conclusions Moreover, the findings of this review have implications for further theory-building about the mechanisms which enable therapeutic effects in psychedelic experience. This in turn might lead to improved models for psychedelic therapy practice. Emphasis on ego-dissolution during the preparation phase and on connectedness during integration is one suggestion presented here, alongside overarching implications for the mental health debate and general practice.