Psychedelic Use and Mystical-Type Experiences are Associated With Greater Self-Compassion, Compassionate Love, and Life Satisfaction
Austin J. Mallard, Matthew Broussard, Richard J. Zeifman, Derek Espinoza, Scott Cloutier, Stephen Ross, Michael P. Bogenschutz, Broc A. Pagni
Journal of Humanistic Psychology April 28, 2026 DOI: 10.1177/00221678261442571 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 984 |
| Population | Adults, including psychedelic-naive individuals, former users, and current users |
| Topics | Mystical experience |
| Keywords | Life satisfaction Interpersonal communication Compassionate use Empathy Interpersonal relationship Clinical psychology Psychotherapist Depression economics |
| Key findings | Current and former psychedelic users reported significantly greater compassionate love, self-compassion, life satisfaction, and lifetime mystical-type experiences than psychedelic-naive individuals. |
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests psychedelic-assisted therapies ameliorate symptoms of psychopathology. However, less is known about how psychedelics influence positive psychological functioning (e.g., compassionate love, self-compassion, and life satisfaction). These constructs may be relevant in understanding how psychedelics exert their therapeutic effects, as they are central to both intra- and interpersonal well-being, and may function as protective factors against psychopathology. In a cross-sectional sample ( N = 984), we compared psychedelic-naive individuals ( n = 169) to former ( n = 178) and current ( n = 637) psychedelic users on compassionate love, self-compassion, life satisfaction, and lifetime mystical-type experiences (MTEs). After controlling for confounding variables, current and former users reported significantly greater compassionate love, self-compassion, life satisfaction, and lifetime MTEs than psychedelic-naive individuals. Relative to former users, current psychedelic users reported significantly greater self-compassion, life satisfaction, and lifetime MTEs, but not compassionate love. Across all groups, lifetime MTEs were positively associated with positive psychological functioning, suggesting that relationships between MTEs and psychological functioning may not be restricted to psychedelic use. Although limited by self-reporting biases, a cross-sectional design, and a homogenous sample, our findings suggest psychedelic use and MTEs are associated with positive psychological functioning, warranting further examination of these psychological constructs in clinical trials.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on mystical experience, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Of Roots and Fruits: A Comparison of Psychedelic and Nonpsychedelic Mystical Experiences Self-selected participants who reported a religious, spiritual, or mystical experience | 2016 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 739 |
| Illicit Use of LSD or Psilocybin, but not MDMA or Nonpsychedelic Drugs, is Associated with Mystical Experiences in a Dose-Dependent Manner Adults recruited from the MAPS website and newsletter, most reporting use of various... | 2012 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 337 |
| Peak Experiences: Some Empirical Tests Random sample of adults in the San Francisco Bay Area | 1978 | Cross-sectional survey | |
| Peak Experience Tendencies | 1982 | Cross-sectional survey | |
| Rhythmic Chanting and Mystical States across Traditions. Regular chanters across 33 countries | 2021 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 464 |
Citations in the library
Cites 47
- 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
- Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Mystical-type experiences occasioned by psilocybin mediate the attribution of personal meaning and spiritual significance 14 months later Journal of Psychopharmacology May 30, 2008
- 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
- Validation of the revised Mystical Experience Questionnaire in experimental sessions with psilocybin Journal of Psychopharmacology October 6, 2015
and 42 more in the library