Classic psychedelic use and current meditation practice.
Charlotta Simonsson, Richard Chambers, Peter S. Hendricks, Simon B. Goldberg, Walter Osika, Marco Schlosser, Adam Ryde, Emma Christersson, Otto Simonsson
Mindfulness April 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-023-02103-w (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Retrospective, population-based observational study Preregistered Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 2,822 |
| Population | Adults aged 18 years or older in the United States |
| Topics | LSD Meditation Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Psychedelics hallucinogens Entheogens Meditation mindfulness Contemplation Mental wellbeing Spiritual practice |
| Citations | 15 |
| Key findings | Lifetime classic psychedelic use was associated with a higher frequency of current mindfulness meditation practice but not loving-kindness or compassion meditation practice, and psychological insight was a stronger predictor of both meditation types than ego dissolution. |
Abstract
Previous research has investigated potential synergies between classic psychedelics and meditation practice, but relatively little remains known about the relationship between classic psychedelic experiences and engagement with meditation practice.The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between classic psychedelic experiences and engagement with two popular types of meditation: mindfulness meditation and loving-kindness or compassion meditation. This retrospective, population-based observational study included 2,822 respondents aged 18 years or older in the United States. Using covariate-adjusted regression models, this study examined associations of classic psychedelic experiences with current practice of mindfulness meditation and loving-kindness or compassion meditation. In covariate-adjusted regression models, lifetime classic psychedelic use was associated with a higher frequency of current mindfulness meditation practice but not current loving-kindness or compassion meditation practice. Both psychological insight and "ego dissolution" were associated with a higher frequency of current mindfulness meditation practice and current loving-kindness or compassion meditation practice. Notably, when psychological insight and "ego dissolution" were entered into the regression model simultaneously, only greater psychological insight was associated with having a higher frequency of current mindfulness meditation practice and current loving-kindness or compassion meditation practice. Although the findings in this study cannot demonstrate causality, they suggest that classic psychedelic experiences may exert a positive effect on the cultivation and maintenance of health-related behaviors such as regular meditation practice, with psychological insight appearing to be a stronger predictor than "ego dissolution." This study was not preregistered.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on psilocybin and meditation, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 9
- Set and setting predict psychopathology, wellbeing and meaningfulness of psychedelic experiences: a correlational study. Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology 2024
- Insights on psychedelics: A systematic review of therapeutic effects. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews June 1, 2025
- Meditating on psychedelics. A randomized placebo-controlled study of DMT and harmine in a mindfulness retreat Journal of Psychopharmacology September 27, 2024
- Longitudinal associations between psychedelic use and meditation practices in the United States and the United Kingdom. Psychological Medicine April 1, 2024
- Psilocybin enhances insightfulness in meditation: a perspective on the global topology of brain imaging during meditation. Scientific Reports March 26, 2024
and 4 more in the library
Cites 7
- Psilocybin-occasioned mystical-type experience in combination with meditation and other spiritual practices produces enduring positive changes in psychological functioning and in trait measures of prosocial attitudes and behaviors Journal of Psychopharmacology October 11, 2017
- Characterization and prediction of acute and sustained response to psychedelic psilocybin in a mindfulness group retreat. Scientific Reports October 24, 2019
- Depression, Mindfulness, and Psilocybin: Possible Complementary Effects of Mindfulness Meditation and Psilocybin in the Treatment of Depression. A Review Frontiers in Psychiatry March 31, 2020
- Combining Psychedelic and Mindfulness Interventions: Synergies to Inform Clinical Practice. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci March 16, 2021
- Linkages between Psychedelics and Meditation in a Population-Based Sample in the United States. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs 2023
and 2 more in the library