Journal of Humanistic Psychology
June 19, 2026
Radosław Stupak, Pesach Lichtenberg
Psychiatric drug research has limited effectiveness because it relies on symptom-scale trials and biological reductionism that miss the subjective, context-dependent nature of medication effects. A proposed methodology, First-Person Psychopharmacology (1PPP), combines the rigor of randomized controlled trials with qualitative, idiographic methods to study how psychoactive substances alter consciousness, emotion, and behavior in real-life contexts, focusing on personal meaning, social situation, and narrative frameworks. Using a mixed design with multiple experimental groups, interviews, and interpretative and quantitative analyses, 1PPP aims to provide a more ecologically valid and person-centered alternative. Putting the psyche back into psychopharmacology is essential for advancing a humanistic and scientifically robust understanding of psychiatric medications.
Journal of Humanistic Psychology
April 28, 2026
Austin J. Mallard, Matthew Broussard, Richard J. Zeifman et al.
People who have used psychedelics, either currently or in the past, report higher levels of compassionate love, self-compassion, and life satisfaction compared to those who have never used psychedelics. Current users also show greater self-compassion and life satisfaction than past users. Lifetime mystical-type experiences are positively linked to these aspects of positive psychological functioning across all groups, not just among psychedelic users. The findings, based on a cross-sectional survey of 984 people, suggest that psychedelic use and mystical experiences may support well-being, but the study is limited by self-reporting, its cross-sectional design, and a homogenous sample.
Journal of Humanistic Psychology
November 10, 2025
Robin J Murphy, Mia Wardlaw, Thomas A. Smith et al.
After a six-week double-blind placebo-controlled trial of 10 µg of lysergic acid diethylamide taken every third day, healthy male participants reported changes in emotions, mood, social life, mindfulness, cognition, work, creativity, and physiological effects. Openness to experience and bidirectionality of effects were overarching themes. Some reported changes have potential clinical relevance for mood disorders, and reports of changes in anxiety suggest careful patient and dose selection. Participants' experiences with set and setting, uncertainty from placebo control, and perceived bidirectionality of effects inform psychedelic clinical trial design.
Journal of Humanistic Psychology
September 25, 2025
Jack Versace, James Rucker
Recreational psychedelic users report higher well-being and lower identity loss compared to nonusers, according to an online survey of 63 users and 218 nonusers. Among users, well-being and consolidated identity are strongly correlated, and self-integration behaviors (such as spending time in nature or journaling) are positively linked to both. However, integration behaviors do not significantly reduce severe identity disturbance. The authors caution that recreational psychedelic use carries risks, particularly for individuals with mental health issues, and that self-integration may help consolidate positive psychological growth but does not protect against serious identity problems.
Journal of Humanistic Psychology
March 22, 2025
M. Cirillo
Western, FDA-regulated psychedelic research and Indigenous traditional uses differ substantially. The evidence-based approach prioritizes safety and efficacy for specific conditions, but risks overlooking knowledge accumulated over thousands of years in cultures where psychedelics have long been used. Carefully reviewing traditional benefits can inform culturally sensitive integration into Western practices. Proper acknowledgment of Indigenous contributions, inclusion in decision-making, and equitable reimbursement for guides are essential. This paper reviews current medical and traditional Indigenous psychedelic use to suggest incorporating beneficial practices from both approaches.
Journal of Humanistic Psychology
July 1, 2024
Paul Grof
Psychedelic substances have been used for millennia, yet systematic understanding of the brain processes underlying the nonordinary states of consciousness (NSC) they induce has only recently become possible. Brain imaging reveals dynamic changes, and observations of spontaneously occurring NSC in major mood disorders show that the propensity for NSC increases at peaks of oscillatory brain activity and fully unfolds when oscillations exceed normal range. Neurobiological correlates of experientially opposite states—melancholy and mania—appear qualitatively the same, supporting the idea that experiential content emerges from nonlocal consciousness. Psychedelic experiences are triggered by the drug but shaped by mental set and setting, and their transformative process can be used psychotherapeutically for healing and inner restructuring.
Journal of Humanistic Psychology
May 21, 2024
Susi Ferrarello, C. Hadjioannou
This special issue explores the relationship between phenomenology and mindfulness, aiming to create a dialogue that highlights overlaps and incongruities between the two traditions. Phenomenology is broadly defined, focusing on the methods and philosophies of Husserl, Heidegger, and Merleau-Ponty, while mindfulness encompasses Buddhist and Stoic-inspired practices and theories. The issue examines how a phenomenological approach can deepen understanding of concepts such as attention, authenticity, time, and dignity, and considers the potential benefits for clinical psychology by exploring connections between mindfulness, well-being, and self-exploration.
Journal of Humanistic Psychology
March 13, 2025
Carl Lorenz Cervantes
Filipino psychology, or Sikolohiyang Pilipino, is fundamentally transpersonal, drawing concepts from indigenous Filipino experience. Cultural notions of personhood, growth, and healing embedded in language, folklore, and customary behavior promote a holistic view of the self as part of larger consciousness and culture. The concept of kapwa (shared identity) is central, acknowledging the interrelationship of self, other, and the world. Interdisciplinary overlaps with transpersonal psychology are highlighted, including Jaime Bulatao's "Filipino Transpersonal Worldview" and Sikolohiyang Pangrelihiyon (Religious Psychology). Self-actualization is seen as the fullness of kapwa, toward shared kaginhawaan (comfort and stability). This work contributes to a cross-indigenous psychology, adding to the global understanding of human experience.
Journal of Humanistic Psychology
January 1, 2025
Marc Bibeau, Frédérick Dionne, Anaïs Riera et al.
Psychotherapists who already practiced mindfulness meditation reported that additional compassion meditation training further enhanced their empathy and clinical work. Three therapists completed a 4-week compassion meditation program and were interviewed before, after, and one month later. Analysis revealed four areas of perceived influence: their relationship with themselves, their experience of empathy, the therapeutic relationship, and integrating change. Participants also noted challenges with the practices. The findings support including compassion meditation in psychotherapy training and burnout prevention.
Journal of Humanistic Psychology
June 4, 2022
Nicole Amada, Jacob Shane
A survey of about 750 people from online psychedelic communities tested whether integrating a psychedelic experience into one's life story promotes optimal well-being. People who reported greater post-psychedelic integration also reported higher self-actualization, and this link was partly explained by perceived gains in self-insight and personal development—key aspects of narrative self-functioning. This pattern held for both clinical and non-clinical participants. Integration techniques that were more self-referential (e.g., reflecting on one's own identity) were indirectly associated with well-being through these narrative benefits. The authors caution that the cross-sectional design cannot establish causation.
Journal of Humanistic Psychology
February 14, 2022
Rotem Petranker, Juensung J. Kim, Thomas Anderson
People who microdose psychedelics report four main themes: reasons for doing it, the practice itself, outcomes, and meta-commentary. Even at low doses, psychedelics may provide a sense of meaning, and reported benefits appear to occur regardless of motivation, likely due to enhanced psychological flexibility and connectedness. Double-blind, placebo-controlled experiments are needed to substantiate these reports.
Journal of Humanistic Psychology
January 1, 2022
People who use psychedelics outside of clinical settings value three key characteristics in their carers: presence, trust, and empathy. Analysis of 403 online forum posts showed that these preferences align with existing guidelines for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, but also extend them—particularly the ability to “hold space” during the psychedelic experience, which users saw as crucial for positive outcomes. The findings suggest that practice-based evidence from nonclinical contexts can help refine treatment guidelines and point to areas needing more research.
Journal of Humanistic Psychology
November 1, 2020
Lia Naor, Ofra Mayseless
A rapid, positive personal transformation can occur during a peak experience in nature. Interviews with 15 people aged 28 to 70 who identified such an experience revealed its core process: recognizing previously unknown aspects of oneself, projected onto nature and felt bodily, which sparks insight into a meaningful personal issue. Choosing to accept and integrate these newly discovered aspects leads to quick transformation. The findings highlight nature's central role, the importance of free choice, and the potential to use such experiences for human development.
Journal of Humanistic Psychology
January 29, 2020
Douglas A. MacDonald, H. Friedman
Ken Wilber, a foundational figure in transpersonal psychology who left the field in the 1990s, recommends that the subdiscipline either disband or change its name. This article presents excerpts from a 2018 conversation between Wilber and two transpersonal psychologists, Harris L. Friedman and Douglas A. MacDonald, in which Wilber explains his reasons for disavowing transpersonal psychology and pursuing integral psychology instead. The dialogue captures Wilber's critique and his suggestions for the field's future.
Journal of Humanistic Psychology
July 1, 2017
This tribute describes Abraham Maslow's engagement with psychedelic research during the 1960s, as recounted by his former research assistant. Maslow, a founder of the Journal of Humanistic Psychology, had a sustained interest in the scientific study of psychedelics, which informed his broader humanistic psychology framework.
Journal of Humanistic Psychology
January 1, 1992
Roger Walsh
Transpersonal psychology emerged to study experiences that extend beyond the conventional boundaries of the self, such as spiritual or altered states. The field now explores full-spectrum models of human development that include transconventional stages, possible integrations among different psychological schools, new understandings of contemplative practices and altered states of consciousness, and research on meditation. The article also examines current limitations and problems facing transpersonal psychology.
Journal of Humanistic Psychology
July 1, 1985
Michael Kahn
Theravada Buddhism and Wilhelm Reich's psychobiology, often seen as opposites, share surprising parallels in the Vipassana meditation school of U Ba Khin. Both traditions converge in theory and practice, despite major differences: Reich strongly affirms life and movement, while Theravada Buddhism opposes them. These similarities suggest that modern Western concepts may have been anticipated in ancient Indian thought.
Journal of Humanistic Psychology
January 1, 1982
Ronald A. Havens
A hierarchically structured series of hypnotically induced events aimed at reducing self-consciousness and organized awareness was tested in several volunteers. The sequence was designed to minimize anxiety and maximize responsiveness. Early responses suggest that participants find the experience enjoyable and beneficial, and it may trigger an episode resembling cosmic consciousness as described in mystical literature.