Ayahuasca Retreats: The Role of Awe and Mystical Experiences in Well-Being.

After attending at least one ayahuasca retreat, 60 participants reported on their mystical experiences and well-being. Contrary to expectations, higher levels of mystical experience combined with lower perceived vastness—a facet of awe—were significantly associated with higher well-being. Neither high awe alone nor mystical experiences characterized by high awe predicted better well-being. The findings suggest that modulating the perceived vastness of a psychedelic experience might help reduce distress and promote well-being.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Research on the positive psychological effects of psychedelics has surged since the early 2000s, particularly regarding increased well-being. Studies have demonstrated how psychedelic-occasioned mystical experiences play a key role in their positive effects, which has prompted an interest in the emotion of awe in the psychedelic context due to its similar phenomenology and associated benefits. This study examined 60 individuals following their visitation to at least one ayahuasca retreat in a country where ayahuasca use was legal or retreats are approved to use ayahuasca, hypothesizing that not only high levels of awe but mystical experiences characterized by high levels of awe would be significantly associated with higher well-being. Neither hypothesis was supported: higher levels of mystical experience with lower perceived vastness, a facet of awe, was significantly associated with higher well-being, possibly highlighting the synergistic relationship between mystical experiences and perceived vastness on well-being. The study has implications for future research, particularly in terms of understanding how the perceived vastness of a person's psychedelic experience may be modulated to mitigate distress and foster well-being.