Exploring Knowledge, Attitudes and Openness toward Psychedelics among Medical and Psychology Students in a Conservative Cultural Setting.

Psychology students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, reported higher knowledge, more favorable attitudes, and greater openness to psychedelic science than medical students. Among 360 students surveyed, 58.7% of psychology students had curricular exposure to psychedelics versus 38.7% of medical students, and 47.5% versus 23.2% were aware of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Psychology students also showed stronger support for legalization (50.9% vs. 33.1%) and recognition of spiritual benefits (51.3% vs. 29.8%). Openness to learning and clinical application was higher among psychology students (62.0% vs. 48.1%), though both groups expressed concerns about risks. Integrating evidence-based psychedelic education into curricula may improve awareness and responsible clinical adoption.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Background and Objective: Psychedelic substances have re-emerged as promising tools in mental health treatment, yet their integration into clinical practice is influenced by public and professional perceptions. In Saudi Arabia, research on knowledge and attitudes toward psychedelic science remains scarce, particularly among future healthcare professionals. This study assesses and compares the knowledge, attitudes and openness toward psychedelic science among medical and psychology students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted between September and December 2024 across six academic institutions. A total of 360 students (50.3% medical, 49.7% psychology) completed a validated bilingual questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes and openness toward psychedelics. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Psychology students reported significantly higher knowledge across all indicators, including curricular exposure (58.7 vs. 38.7%, p<0.001) and self-rated awareness of psychedelic-assisted therapy (47.5 vs. 23.2%, p<0.001). Attitudinal differences were also evident, with psychology students showing greater support for legalization (50.9 vs. 33.1%, p = 0.001) and recognition of potential benefits, including spiritual value (51.3 vs. 29.8%, p<0.001). Openness to learning and clinical application was higher among psychology students (62.0% vs. 48.1%, p = 0.046), though both groups expressed concerns about potential risks. Conclusion: Psychology students demonstrated greater knowledge, more favorable attitudes and higher openness toward psychedelic science compared to medical students. Integrating evidence-based psychedelic education into curricula may enhance awareness, critical evaluation and responsible clinical adoption in Saudi Arabia.