Psychedelic use and psychological flexibility: The role of meaningful intention and decentering

AbstractBackgroundPsychedelic use and its impact on well-being is garnering a lot of research attention, however, little has been done to understand the potential associations between multiple characteristics of the psychedelic experience and psychological flexibility (PF), which encompasses a conscious awareness of thoughts and behavior, allowing individuals to adapt to new experiences and perceive multiple explanations or solutions for life events.AimsThe current study examines the psychedelic correlates of PF. It was hypothesized that intention, comfort and safety during the experience, decentering, mystical experiences, ego-dissolution, and insight would be significantly associated with greater reports of PF.MethodsData used for the regression analysis were from 114 participants who had used one of the classic psychedelics (LSD, Psilocybin, Mescaline, DMT, Ayahuasca, 5MeO-DMT) and were recruited from postings on Twitter (now X) and within psychedelic-based groups on Facebook and Reddit to fill out an online survey. Standard assessments used include the Experiences Questionnaire, Mystical Experience Questionnaire, Ego-Dissolution Inventory, Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, Psychological Insight Questionnaire, and Religious Salience Scale.ResultsAfter controlling for sociodemographics (age, income, religious salience, number of psychedelic experiences), self-perceived meaningful intention and decentering remained significantly associated with greater psychological flexibility.ConclusionsThese results expand upon existing literature on psychedelic use and its impact on well-being by exploring specific characteristics of the psychedelic experience. Understanding the importance of intention and decentering can provide a pathway by which psychedelic users, guides, and researchers can further understand the psychedelic experience and its effects.