Exploring Factors Affecting Psychological Flexibility After Psychedelic Experiences.

A retrospective online survey of French individuals who had a significant psychedelic experience found that the intensity of the mystical experience was positively correlated with improvements in psychological flexibility, especially one month after the experience and during the six months before the survey. Key predictors of changes in psychological flexibility included baseline flexibility scores, the intensity of the mystical experience, and frequent psychedelic use. The findings suggest that the intensity of the mystical experience and baseline psychological flexibility may be key factors influencing changes in psychological flexibility after psychedelic use, indicating potential therapeutic value.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Neurobiological effects and psychological models propose that psychedelics may promote psychological flexibility, suggesting a transdiagnostic effect by disrupting maladaptive patterns. The objective of this study was therefore to investigate the determinants of psychological flexibility change following a psychedelic use. This retrospective online survey included French individuals who had undergone a significant psychedelic experience. Participants were assessed for mystical experience intensity with the MEQ-30, and psychological flexibility via the AAQ-II, at three retrospective time points. Data analysis comprised descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, ANCOVA to evaluate the impact of psychedelic use variables on psychological flexibility, and linear regression to identify predictors of psychological flexibility changes. Data showed a positive correlation between mystical experience intensity and improvements in psychological flexibility, especially 1-month post-experience (p < .01), and during the 6 months before the survey (p < .01). Key predictors of changes in psychological flexibility included baseline AAQ-II scores, MEQ total scores and frequent psychedelic use, underlining the interaction between personal and experiential factors in determining therapeutic outcomes. In conclusion, this study highlights how the intensity of mystical experience and baseline psychological flexibility may be the key factors influencing changes in psychological flexibility post-psychedelic use, suggesting a potential therapeutic value.