The Shipibo Ceremonial Use of Ayahuasca to Promote Well-Being: An Observational Study
Débora González, Jordi Cantillo, Irene Hidalgo Pérez, Maria Carmo Carvalho, Adam Aronovich, Magı́ Farré, Amanda Feilding, Jordi E. Obiols, José Carlos Bouso
Frontiers in Pharmacology May 5, 2021 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.623923 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractPeople who took part in an Indigenous Shipibo healing program involving ayahuasca ceremonies showed significant increases in psychological well-being, happiness, and quality of life that lasted up to 12 months. A subgroup analysis indicated the improvements were due to the program rather than the passage of time. A relationship was found between decentering—the ability to observe thoughts and feelings objectively—and enhanced psychological well-being.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational cohort Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 200 |
| Population | Westerners who attended an Indigenous Shipibo healing program with ayahuasca ceremonies |
| Topics | Ayahuasca |
| Keywords | Happiness Observational study Scale ratio Test biology Clinical psychology |
| Citations | 39 |
| Key finding | Participation in the Shipibo healing program with ayahuasca was associated with significant long-term improvements in well-being and quality of life, with decentering mediating the improvement in psychological well-being. |
Abstract
Promoting well-being is one of the main goals to improve health in the world. We examined the well-being and quality of life over the course of one year in a sample that participated in an Indigenous Shipibo healing program where traditional healers work in a series of ayahuasca ceremonies. We also explored the role of decentering as a mediator of psychological well-being. Participants who attended the program responded to an online survey that included a Psychological Well-Being Scale; Oxford Happiness Questionnaire; The World Health Organization Quality of Life Spirituality, Religiousness, and Personal Beliefs scale; the WHO Quality of Life-BREF scale; and Decentering scale. Baseline (T0) and postassessment (T1) were completed by 200 individuals. Of these, 101 completed the follow-up assessment at three months (T2), 91 at 6 months (T3), and 94 at 12 months follow-up (T4) after leaving the center. ANOVA test was performed in a representative subsample to control the passing of time two months before attending the program (T-1). Pearson’s test was performed to examine the relationship between psychological well-being and decentering during the period of T0 and T1. A significant increase was observed in all the scales at all time points ( p ≤ 0.01). The subgroup analysis performed in a representative subsample allowed us to infer that the significant differences in outcomes are due to the effect of their stay at the center and not the passing of time. We found a relationship between decentering and the improvement of psychological well-being ( r = 0.57; p < 0.01). Our results suggest that the Indigenous Shipibo healing work with ayahuasca has value to improve long-term well-being and quality of life for Westerners.