Psychedelic use and psychological flexibility: The role of meaningful intention and decentering

Abstract Background Psychedelic use and its impact on well-being is garnering a lot of research attention, however, little has been done to understand the potential associations between multiple characteristics of the psychedelic experience and psychological flexibility (PF), which encompasses a conscious awareness of thoughts and behavior, allowing individuals to adapt to new experiences and perceive multiple explanations or solutions for life events.

Aims: The current study examines the psychedelic correlates of PF. It was hypothesized that intention, comfort and safety during the experience, decentering, mystical experiences, ego-dissolution, and insight would be significantly associated with greater reports of PF.

Methods: Data used for the regression analysis were from 114 participants who had used one of the classic psychedelics (LSD, Psilocybin, Mescaline, DMT, Ayahuasca, 5MeO-DMT) and were recruited from postings on Twitter (now X) and within psychedelic-based groups on Facebook and Reddit to fill out an online survey. Standard assessments used include the Experiences Questionnaire, Mystical Experience Questionnaire, Ego-Dissolution Inventory, Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, Psychological Insight Questionnaire, and Religious Salience Scale.

Results: After controlling for sociodemographics (age, income, religious salience, number of psychedelic experiences), self-perceived meaningful intention and decentering remained significantly associated with greater psychological flexibility.

Conclusions: These results expand upon existing literature on psychedelic use and its impact on well-being by exploring specific characteristics of the psychedelic experience. Understanding the importance of intention and decentering can provide a pathway by which psychedelic users, guides, and researchers can further understand the psychedelic experience and its effects.