Exploring the relationship between microdosing, personality and emotional insight: A prospective study
Hannah Marie Dressler, Stephen Bright, Vince Polito
Journal of Psychedelic Studies March 26, 2021 DOI: 10.1556/2054.2021.00157 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Prospective study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 76 |
| Population | Microdosers |
| Intervention | Microdosing |
| Duration | 31-day follow-up |
| Topics | Microdosing |
| Keywords | Conscientiousness Neuroticism Personality Extraversion and introversion Alexithymia Clinical psychology |
| Citations | 12 |
| Key points | Microdosing was associated with increased conscientiousness and decreased neuroticism over 31 days. |
Abstract
Abstract Backround and aims Having entered the recent public and research zeitgeist, microdosing involves consuming sub-perceptual doses of psychedelic drugs, allegedly to enhance performance, creativity, and wellbeing. The results of research to date have been mixed. Whereas most studies have reported positive impacts of microdosing, some microdosers have also reported adverse effects. In addition, research to date has revealed inconsistent patterns of change in personality traits. This prospective study explored the relationship between microdosing, personality change, and emotional awareness.
Methods: Measures of personality and alexithymia were collected at two time points. 76 microdosers participated at baseline. Invitations to a follow-up survey were sent out after 31 days, and 24 participants were retained.
Results: Conscientiousness increased, while neuroticism decreased across these time points ( n = 24). At baseline ( N = 76), neuroticism was associated with alexithymia. In addition, neuroticism correlated negatively with duration of prior microdosing experience, and extraversion correlated positively with both duration of prior microdosing experience and lifetime number of microdoses.
Conclusion: These results suggest that microdosing might have an impact on otherwise stable personality traits.