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Peak Experiences of Psilocybin Users and Non-Users

Christina Cummins, Jennifer Lyke

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs April 1, 2013 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2013.785855 (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 101
Population Undergraduate students and attendees at a musical event
Intervention Psilocybin
Topics Psilocybin Mystical experience
Keywords Consciousness Hallucinogen
Citations 16
Key findings 47% of psilocybin users reported their peak experience occurred while using psilocybin, and the three groups differed significantly on all dimensions of alteration of consciousness.

Abstract

Maslow (1970) defined peak experiences as the most wonderful experiences of a person's life, which may include a sense of awe, well-being, or transcendence. Furthermore, recent research has suggested that psilocybin can produce experiences subjectively rated as uniquely meaningful and significant (Griffiths et al. 2006). It is therefore possible that psilocybin may facilitate or change the nature of peak experiences in users compared to non-users. This study was designed to compare the peak experiences of psilocybin users and non-users, to evaluate the frequency of peak experiences while under the influence of psilocybin, and to assess the perceived degree of alteration of consciousness during these experiences. Participants were recruited through convenience and snowball sampling from undergraduate classes and at a musical event. Participants were divided into three groups, those who reported a peak experience while under the influence of psilocybin (psilocybin peak experience: PPE), participants who had used psilocybin but reported their peak experiences did not occur while they were under the influence of psilocybin (non-psilocybin peak experience: NPPE), and participants who had never used psilocybin (non-user: NU). A total of 101 participants were asked to think about their peak experiences and complete a measure evaluating the degree of alteration of consciousness during that experience. Results indicated that 47% of psilocybin users reported their peak experience occurred while using psilocybin. In addition, there were significant differences among the three groups on all dimensions of alteration of consciousness. Future research is necessary to identify factors that influence the peak experiences of psilocybin users in naturalistic settings and contribute to the different characteristics of peak experiences of psilocybin users and non-users.

Comparable studies

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

Study Year Design Participants
Of Roots and Fruits: A Comparison of Psychedelic and Nonpsychedelic Mystical Experiences Self-selected participants who reported a religious, spiritual, or mystical experience 2016 Cross-sectional survey n = 739
Illicit Use of LSD or Psilocybin, but not MDMA or Nonpsychedelic Drugs, is Associated with Mystical Experiences in a Dose-Dependent Manner Adults recruited from the MAPS website and newsletter, most reporting use of various... 2012 Cross-sectional survey n = 337
Peak Experiences: Some Empirical Tests Random sample of adults in the San Francisco Bay Area 1978 Cross-sectional survey
Peak Experience Tendencies 1982 Cross-sectional survey
Rhythmic Chanting and Mystical States across Traditions. Regular chanters across 33 countries 2021 Cross-sectional survey n = 464

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Psilocybin Mystical experience Altered states of consciousness Philosophy of mind