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Neuroticism is associated with challenging experiences with psilocybin mushrooms.

Frederick S. Barrett, Matthew W Johnson, Roland R. Griffiths

Personality and Individual Differences October 15, 2017 DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2017.06.004 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed
Sample size 2,974
Population Adults who reported challenging experiences with psilocybin in online surveys
Topics Psilocybin
Keywords Bad trips Challenging experiences Individual differences Neuroticism Hallucinogen effects
Citations 98
Key findings Neuroticism is positively associated with the intensity of challenging psychedelic experiences, as measured by the Challenging Experience Questionnaire.

Abstract

Classic hallucinogens (e.g. psilocybin and LSD) have substantial effects on perception, cognition, and emotion that can often be psychologically challenging, however we know very little regarding the source of significant individual variability that has been observed in the frequency and intensity of challenging experiences (i.e. "bad trips") with psychedelics. Previous clinical and observational literature suggests that there may be an association between neuroticism and challenging psychedelic experiences. Data from two online surveys of challenging experiences with psilocybin were analyzed. Multivariate analysis was used to estimate the associations between total score and scores from seven sub-factors (fear, grief, physical distress, insanity, isolation, death, and paranoia) of the Challenging Experience Questionnaire (CEQ), and scale scores from the Ten Item Personality Inventory (TIPI) in Study 1 (N=1993) and the Big Five Inventory (BFI) in Study 2 (N = 981). CEQ scores were negatively associated with emotional stability scores (the inverse of neuroticism) in Study 1 and positively associated with neuroticism scores in Study 2. Neuroticism may contribute to the strength of challenging experiences in uncontrolled settings.

Comparable studies

Other cross-sectional and survey studies on psilocybin, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Survey study of challenging experiences after ingesting psilocybin mushrooms: Acute and enduring positive and negative consequences Individuals who had consumed psilocybin mushrooms and experienced a psychologically... 2016 Cross-sectional survey n = 1,993
The Challenging Experience Questionnaire: Characterization of challenging experiences with psilocybin mushrooms Internet survey respondents reporting challenging experiences with psilocybin 2016 Questionnaire development and validation
Psychedelics and Mental Health: A Population Study Adult population in the United States 2013 Cross-sectional survey n = 130,152
Cessation and reduction in alcohol consumption and misuse after psychedelic use Individuals with prior alcohol use disorder who reported cessation or reduction in... 2019 Cross-sectional survey n = 343
Patterns of simultaneous polysubstance use in drug using university students Drug-using university students 2006 Cross-sectional survey n = 149

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