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Mystical Experiences in Retrospective Reports of First Times Using a Psychedelic in Finland.

Samuli Kangaslampi, Aino Hausen, Tarina Rauteenmaa

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs 2020 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2020.1767321 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed
Sample size 288
Population People retrospectively reporting on their first time using a psychedelic
Topics LSD Mystical experience Psilocybin
Keywords Psychedelics Well-being
Key findings The Finnish MEQ30 shows internal consistency reliability and preliminary evidence for criterion and discriminant validity, with a four-factor structure fitting best; mystical experiences were associated with positive changes in relationships with nature and oneself and in creativity, and were more common with larger doses.

Abstract

Despite their acutely inebriating and sometimes unpleasant effects, some people report positive changes in life satisfaction, well-being, or mental health after taking psychedelic drugs. One explanation may be the ability of psychedelics to trigger mystical-type experiences. We examined the validity, reliability, and factor structure of a novel Finnish translation of the Revised Mystical Experiences Questionnaire (MEQ30) among 288 people retrospectively reporting on their first time using a psychedelic. We found evidence for internal consistency reliability and preliminary evidence for criterion and discriminant validity of the Finnish MEQ30. A four-factor structure with factors for mystical qualities, positive mood, transcendence, and ineffability had the best, fair to reasonable fit to the data. MEQ30 scores and having a full mystical experience were highly associated with describing the experience as mystical, spiritual, or religious, and as personally significant, and somewhat associated with the experience being sad or difficult. Mystical experiences were especially associated with positive changes in relationships with nature and oneself and in creativity. Mystical experiences were more common with larger doses. Increasing research suggests mystical-type experiences to relate to positive changes after taking psychedelics. The Finnish MEQ30 is able to tap into relevant information about this aspect of people's psychedelic experiences.

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

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LSD Mystical experience Psilocybin Mysticism