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.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on microdosing, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microdosing psychedelics: personality, mental health, and creativity differences in microdosers Respondents recruited from online forums | 2019 | Observational study | |
| Positive expectations predict improved mental-health outcomes linked to psychedelic microdosing Individuals planning a weekly microdosing regimen | 2021 | Prospective observational study | n = 81 |
| Might Microdosing Psychedelics Be Safe and Beneficial? An Initial Exploration. More than a thousand individuals from 59 countries | 2019 | Observational cohort | n = 1,000 |
| Psilocybin microdosers demonstrate greater observed improvements in mood and mental health at one month relative to non-microdosing controls Psilocybin microdosers and non-microdosing comparators | 2022 | Naturalistic observational study | n = 1,133 |
| Nonlinear Pharmacokinetics of Oral Quinidine and Verapamil in Healthy Subjects: A Clinical Microdosing Study Healthy subjects | 2011 | Observational cohort |
Citations in the library
Cited by 12
- The emerging science of microdosing: A systematic review of research on low dose psychedelics (1955–2021) and recommendations for the field Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews May 21, 2022
- Set and setting in microdosing: an oft-overlooked principle. Psychopharmacology December 1, 2022
- Psychedelic Microdosing, Mindfulness, and Anxiety: A Cross-Sectional Mediation Study Journal of Psychoactive Drugs June 12, 2022
- Perceived Impact of Psychedelics on Sexual, Gender, and Intimate Relationship Dynamics: A Mixed-Methods Investigation The Journal of Sex Research March 28, 2025
- Trait mindfulness and personality characteristics in a microdosing ADHD sample: a naturalistic prospective survey study Frontiers in Psychiatry October 16, 2023
and 7 more in the library
Cites 27
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: A proof-of-concept study Journal of Psychopharmacology January 13, 2015
- Mystical experiences occasioned by the hallucinogen psilocybin lead to increases in the personality domain of openness Journal of Psychopharmacology September 28, 2011
- The paradoxical psychological effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) Psychological Medicine February 5, 2016
- Effects of psilocybin therapy on personality structure Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica June 19, 2018
and 22 more in the library