Attitudes of U.S. Muslims Toward Psychedelics.

Muslims living in the United States show moderate openness to psychedelic therapies, and a weak negative correlation exists between their rejection of mental health services and their acceptance of psychedelics. Higher education is associated with more favorable attitudes toward both mental health services and psychedelic therapies. The findings highlight the need to understand educational and cultural factors shaping these views to advance equitable mental health care for this underrepresented group.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Muslims living in the United States (MLUS) are underrepresented in psychedelics research. Despite growing research on psychedelic-assisted mental health care, little is known about its acceptance among MLUS, a population with some history of rejecting mental health services. This study examined whether MLUS' rejection attitudes toward mental health services were related to lower acceptance of psychedelic therapies. We analyzed survey responses from 235 MLUS. Participants completed measures assessing attitudes toward mental health services and psychedelic therapies. Correlations and t-tests were used to assess the relationship between these attitudes and to examine demographic differences. A weak negative correlation was observed between rejection attitudes toward mental health services and acceptance of psychedelics. Participants demonstrated moderate openness to psychedelics overall. Higher education was associated with more favorable attitudes toward both mental health services and psychedelic therapies. Further research is needed to understand how educational and cultural factors shape these attitudes. Contextualizing MLUS views on psychedelics is essential for advancing equitable and culturally responsive mental health care.