Psychedelics and connectedness to natural and social worlds: An examination of the evidence and a proposed conceptual framework.
Matthias Forstmann, Christina Sagioglou
Current Opinion in Psychology April 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2025.101992 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Ego dissolution |
| Keywords | Community Environmental behavior Nature relatedness Psychedelics Self-other overlap Social connectedness |
| Citations | 11 |
| Key findings | Psychedelics appear to enhance nature relatedness and social connectedness through ego dissolution and enhanced emotional processing, but methodological challenges limit interpretation. |
Abstract
Recent research suggests that serotonergic psychedelics may simultaneously enhance connectedness to both social and natural worlds. This article synthesizes current evidence regarding psychedelics' effects on nature relatedness and social connectedness, examining underlying mechanisms through the framework of self-other overlap. Psychedelics appear to facilitate self-expansion through two complementary mechanisms: ego dissolution, which temporarily alters self-boundaries, and enhanced emotional processing, which increases empathic concern. While studies demonstrate promising effects, interpretation is complicated by methodological challenges including functional unblinding, reliance on self-reports, and small sample sizes. We propose a multidimensional model of connectedness that distinguishes between perceptual, emotional, and epistemic domains, each showing distinct patterns in acute and enduring effects. Future research would benefit from behavioral measures, active placebos, and careful consideration of contextual factors.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on ego dissolution, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neural Mechanisms and Psychology of Psychedelic Ego Dissolution | 2022 | Review | |
| A narrative synthesis of research with 5-MeO-DMT. | 2022 | Review | |
| Scoping Review of Experiential Measures from Psychedelic Research and Clinical Trials. | 2023 | Review | |
| Singularity and consciousness: A neuropsychological contribution. Split-brain patient | 2021 | Review | n = 1 |
| Moral Considerations and the Experience of Ego Dissolution: Insights from Psilocybin | 2025 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 9
- Ten theses on the politics of psychedelics Psychedelics June 24, 2026
- Suggested Guidelines for Applying a Systemic Lens to Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy. Psychedelic Medicine June 1, 2026
- Ritual in Psychedelic Therapy: A Principle-Based Framework Human Arenas April 25, 2026
- Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians—5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine American Journal of Therapeutics February 20, 2026
- Integrated Advancements in Neuroplasticity, Psychedelic Therapeutics, and AI-Driven Innovations for Precision Medicine. ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters April 10, 2025
and 4 more in the library
Cites 44
- Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- Neural correlates of the psychedelic state as determined by fMRI studies with psilocybin Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences January 23, 2012
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: six-month follow-up. Psychopharmacology November 8, 2017
- Quality of Acute Psychedelic Experience Predicts Therapeutic Efficacy of Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant Depression Frontiers in Pharmacology January 17, 2018
- The Varieties of Self-Transcendent Experience Review of General Psychology May 1, 2017
and 39 more in the library