Effects of ayahuasca on gratitude and relationships with nature: An open-label, naturalistic study
Jacob S. Aday, Emily K. Bloesch, Alan K. Davis, Sarah E. Domoff, Kyle C Scherr, Joshua Woolley, Christopher C. Davoli
June 7, 2023 preprint DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/t32qp (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cohort Open-label Qualitative |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 54 |
| Population | Participants at an ayahuasca retreat center |
| Intervention | Ayahuasca |
| Duration | 1-month follow-up |
| Topics | Ayahuasca |
| Keywords | Gratitude Prosocial behavior Clinical psychology Psychotherapist |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Gratitude, nature relatedness, and nature appreciation increased significantly one week and one month after an ayahuasca retreat, with mystical-type experiences and awe weakly to moderately correlated with these increases. |
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychedelic brew that has been the focus of an increasing number of investigations for its potential therapeutic effects. In addition to psychiatric improvements, qualitative studies and anecdotal reports suggest that ayahuasca use may influence gratitude and relationships with nature. Yet, to date, these specific changes have been understudied. Here, participants (N = 54) completed surveys one-week before, one-week after, and one-month after attending an ayahuasca retreat center. There was a significant increase in gratitude, nature relatedness, and nature appreciation at the one-week and one-month follow-ups compared to baseline. Ratings of mystical-type experiences and awe, but not ego dissolution, were weakly-to-moderately correlated with increases in gratitude, nature relatedness, and nature appreciation. Although further research is needed to address study limitations, our results support that mystical-type experiences and awe occasioned by ayahuasca can be followed by changes in personality that are beneficial to mental health as well as prosocial.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on ayahuasca, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antidepressant effects of a single dose of ayahuasca in patients with recurrent depression: a preliminary report Patients with a depressive disorder | 2015 | Observational study | |
| The Psychedelic State Induced by Ayahuasca Modulates the Activity and Connectivity of the Default Mode Network Experienced subjects | 2015 | Observational cohort | n = 10 |
| Human Psychopharmacology of Hoasca, A Plant Hallucinogen Used in Ritual Context in Brazil Long-term members of a syncretic church that uses hoasca as a psychoactive sacrament... | 1996 | Observational cohort with matched controls | n = 30 |
| Ayahuasca-Assisted Therapy for Addiction: Results from a Preliminary Observational Study in Canada Rural aboriginal population | 2013 | Observational study | |
| Personality, Psychopathology, Life Attitudes and Neuropsychological Performance among Ritual Users of Ayahuasca: A Longitudinal Study Regular ayahuasca users and active controls in non-ayahuasca religions | 2012 | Observational cohort | n = 242 |
Citations in the library
Cites 30
- 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 with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016
- Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression New England Journal of Medicine April 14, 2021
- The Therapeutic Potential of Psychedelic Drugs: Past, Present, and Future. Neuropsychopharmacology April 26, 2017
- Percentage of Heavy Drinking Days Following Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy vs Placebo in the Treatment of Adult Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder JAMA Psychiatry August 24, 2022
and 25 more in the library