Exploring the relationship between mental health, drug use, personality, and attitudes towards psilocybin-assisted therapy
Benjamin M. Ross, James T. Neill
Journal of Psychedelic Studies August 21, 2023 DOI: 10.1556/2054.2023.00264 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 118 |
| Population | Young adults in the Australian Capital Territory |
| Topics | Anxiety LSD Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Taboo Clinical psychology Computer-assisted web interviewing Hallucinogen |
| Citations | 6 |
| Key findings | Openness to experience and recreational drug use are associated with more positive attitudes toward psilocybin-assisted therapy. |
Abstract
Abstract Background Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, is increasingly discussed in terms of its psychotherapeutic potential; however, little is known about community attitudes towards psilocybin assisted therapy (PAT).
Aims: To address the question: What are the public's attitudes towards psilocybin and psilocybin-assisted therapy? And what factors explain these attitudes?
Methods: This study investigated the attitudes of 118 young adults in the Australian Capital Territory through an online survey.
Results: Participants who were more open to experience and who had used recreational drugs were more likely to have positive attitudes towards all aspects of PAT. Additionally, psychedelic drug use and agreeableness was positively associated with attitudes towards psilocybin safety, legality, and research; and psilocybin use was positively associated with attitudes towards psilocybin knowledge and acceptability.
Conclusions: This convenience sample of young adults was generally positively disposed towards PAT. People who were more open to experience and who had used recreational or psychedelic drugs had more favourable attitudes towards PAT.