Examining Normative Male Alexithymia in Men Reporting Psychedelic and Non-Psychedelic Self-Transcendent Experiences

Men are about three times more likely than women to die by suicide, partly because of normative alexithymia—a reduced ability to identify and express emotions tied to masculine norms. Self-transcendental experiences (STEs), which can be induced by psychedelics, have been thought to expand emotional capacity and might reduce normative alexithymia. This study compared scores on the Normative Male Alexithymia Scale among 148 men: those who had never had an STE, those who had one through psychedelics, and those who had one through other means. Contrary to expectations, no significant differences in normative alexithymia levels were found between the groups, suggesting that having an STE does not lower normative alexithymia in men.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Suicide is a pernicious global issue with many serious impacts. Despite females being more likely to attempt suicide, males are around three times more likely to die from suicide, with one contributor being normative alexithymia, a reduced ability to understand and express emotions related to masculine norms. Qualitative research indicates that self-transcendental experiences (STEs) have been described as producing an increased emotional repertoire. It is therefore conceivable that STE have the potential to alleviate normative alexithymia. STE experiences can be reliably induced by the consumption of psychedelic substances, which have shown promise in treating mental health issues and improving emotional expression. There is currently no quantitative research investigating whether STEs can reduce levels of normative alexithymia in men. Therefore, this study tested whether men who have had an STE have lower levels of normative alexithymia than men who have not. Participants (N = 148) were sorted into three groups: men who have not had an STE, men who have had an STE through psychedelic use, and men who have had an STE through other means and completed the Normative Male Alexithymia Scale (NMAS). Scores were analysed using a one-way independent ANOVA; contrary to expectations, no significant differences were found between the groups, and this study therefore concluded that men who have had an STE do not have lower levels of normative alexithymia than men who have not. Recommendations for future research are discussed.