Embedding existential psychology within psychedelic science: reduced death anxiety as a mediator of the therapeutic effects of psychedelics

A novel hypothesis proposes that reduced death anxiety may be a key mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of psychedelics. Integrating research on psychedelics with existential psychology, the authors review how psychedelics might diminish death anxiety and suggest that recognizing the role of death anxiety in psychopathology could guide future research into psychedelic therapies.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Psychedelic therapies can engender enduring improvements in psychological well-being. However, relatively little is known about the psychological mechanisms through which the salutary effects of psychedelics emerge. Through integrating extant research on psychedelics with contemporary existential psychology, we present a novel hypothesis that reduced death anxiety may be a key mechanism underpinning the therapeutic effects of psychedelics. In developing this hypothesis, we also provide a complementary review of mechanisms through which psychedelics may reduce death anxiety. We conclude that an awareness of the role of death anxiety in psychopathology has the potential to guide future research into psychedelic therapies.