372 results for "Mystical Experience"
Mystical experiences during magnesium-Ibogaine are associated with improvements in PTSD symptoms in veterans.
Journal of affective disorders – November 18, 2025
Summary
Profound "mystical experiences" during Ibogaine-magnesium therapy significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in veterans. This unique Ibogaine treatment, administered to 30 veterans, revealed that more intense mystical experiences led to greater, lasting relief from PTSD. These positive outcomes were also linked to sustained decreases in peak alpha frequency, suggesting a brain mechanism for the therapeutic benefits.
Abstract
Ibogaine is an atypical psychedelic that evokes unique subjective effects, including mystical experiences. Mystical experiences have shown a mediat...
Near-death experience as mystical experience.
Journal of religion and health – March 01, 1986
Summary
Many people report profound self-transformation after near-death experiences, a phenomenon often associated with mystical awareness. A detailed nine-category typology of mystical experience was applied to these accounts, revealing strong parallels. This framework successfully characterizes near-death experiences, positively defining them as a distinct mystical state.
Abstract
Near-death experience exhibits many attributes of mystical awareness. Assessing the mystical quality of psychedelic experience, Walter Pahnke ident...
Mystical experiences without mysticism: An argument for mystical fictionalism in psychedelics
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – June 08, 2022
Summary
Profound mystical experiences frequently precede significant reductions in suffering, a compelling finding in Psychology and Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies. Yet, for empiricists, acknowledging "mystical experiences" presents an epistemological challenge, implying a genuine mystical reality. This philosophical argument hinders complex analysis in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, particularly concerning chemical synthesis and alkaloids. Philosophical fictionalism, drawing on logic and linguistics, allows analysis of these experiences as "true" without asserting their veridicality. This refines our understanding, improving psychedelic-assisted treatments and fostering scientific humility.
Abstract
Abstract Mystical experiences frequently precede decreases in human suffering or increased functioning. Therapies that include the ingestion of psy...
Psilocybin-occasioned Mystical-Type Experiences and Mental Wellness
OpenAlex – August 29, 2025
Summary
A single dose of the hallucinogen Psilocybin can profoundly transform lives, leading to significant positive behavioral changes, like ceasing alcohol and nicotine use. Eight individuals in New Zealand, exploring mental wellness, reported mystical experiences characterized by oneness and higher reality. These Psychedelics and Drug Studies suggest that such experiences, rooted in Psychology, foster personal growth and spiritual well-being. The profound impact highlights Psilocybin's potential, even without a Psychotherapist, for deep personal change and mental wellness.
Abstract
<p><strong>Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in certain mushrooms, has gained increasing attention for its potential therapeu...
Predictors and potentiators of psychedelic-occasioned mystical experiences
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – March 22, 2022
Summary
Mystical experiences, among life's most profound events, are reliably occasioned by psychedelics under specific conditions. These experiences are crucial for sustained psychological benefits across diverse populations. Over a dozen factors, including context, individual traits like absorption, and states of surrender, significantly influence their occurrence. Optimizing elements such as meditation practices and social psychology's "set and setting" enhances these mystical journeys. Understanding how psychotherapists can integrate these insights is crucial for maximizing beneficial outcomes from drug studies.
Abstract
Abstract Mystical experiences are often described as being among the most profound and meaningful events of a person’s life. Their occurrence, whil...
Mystical-type experiences occasioned by psilocybin mediate the attribution of personal meaning and spiritual significance 14 months later
Journal of Psychopharmacology – May 30, 2008
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, can occasion profound spiritual experiences with lasting impact. A follow-up of 36 adults, who received psilocybin under supportive conditions, revealed that 14 months later, 58% considered the experience among their five most personally meaningful, and 67% among their most spiritually significant. Furthermore, 64% reported increased well-being. These outcomes, relevant to Clinical Psychology and Psychedelics and Drug Studies, were strongly linked to the depth of mystical experience during the session, suggesting psilocybin's potential in fostering religious experience and spirituality, a key area for Psychology and Psychiatry.
Abstract
Psilocybin has been used for centuries for religious purposes; however, little is known scientifically about its long-term effects. We previously r...
Factor Analysis of the Mystical Experience Questionnaire: A Study of Experiences Occasioned by the Hallucinogen Psilocybin
Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion – December 01, 2012
Summary
Remarkably, the mystical experiences occasioned by psilocybin, a powerful hallucinogen, can be precisely measured. A psychology investigation involving 1,602 participants who ingested psilocybin utilized exploratory factor analysis to validate a 30-item Mystical Experience Questionnaire. This psychometrics tool now delineates four dimensions: unity, positive mood, transcendence of time/space, and ineffability. A second sample of 440 confirmed this structure. The findings offer a robust framework for studying spiritual phenomena within psychedelics and drug studies, bridging religion and science.
Abstract
A large body of historical evidence describes the use of hallucinogenic compounds, such as psilocybin mushrooms, for religious purposes. But few sc...
Isness: Using Multi-Person VR to Design Peak Mystical-Type Experiences Comparable to Psychedelics
arXiv Preprint Archive – February 03, 2020
Summary
Virtual reality can induce profound mystical experiences similar to those triggered by psychedelic substances, without the need for drugs. A groundbreaking human-computer interaction (cs.HC) experiment showed that carefully designed VR environments can create transformative group experiences where participants perceive themselves as pure energy, fostering deep feelings of connection and transcendence. Data from 57 participants revealed emotional responses matching those reported in clinical studies of psilocybin and LSD.
Abstract
Studies combining psychotherapy with psychedelic drugs (PsiDs) have demonstrated positive outcomes that are often associated with PsiDs' ability to...
Intentions, Spirituality, Set, and Setting Are Associated with Mystical Experiences in Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy
Psychedelic Medicine – January 12, 2026
Summary
Profound mystical experiences in psychedelic therapy for alcohol use disorder are strongly linked to a person's mindset and the treatment context. Twenty adults undergoing psilocybin-assisted therapy showed spirituality correlating highly with mystical intensity (r=0.76) in the first session, with intensity increasing by the second. Spiritual intentions also strongly connected (r=0.71). A positive mindset (r=0.52) and perceived positive setting (r=0.46) also predicted these intense religious experiences. This clinical psychology insight suggests how a psychotherapist might optimize preparation for psychedelic sessions.
Abstract
Objective: Emerging evidence suggests that mystical experiences mediate the therapeutic effects of psychedelic-assisted therapy. The current study ...
Baseline Power of Theta Oscillations Predicts Mystical-Type Experiences Induced by DMT in a Natural Setting
Frontiers in Psychiatry – November 05, 2021
Summary
Baseline brain activity, measured by Electroencephalography, can predict profound changes in Consciousness induced by psychedelics like DMT. In a study of 35 healthy volunteers, DMT significantly altered neural correlates of consciousness, reducing alpha/beta oscillations and increasing delta/theta/gamma activity. Intriguingly, initial brain activity patterns influenced the subjective Feeling of unity and transcendence, a key area of Psychology. This suggests understanding Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior through baseline brain activity could enhance therapeutic outcomes in Psychedelics and Drug Studies.
Abstract
N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a classic psychedelic capable of inducing short-lasting but profound changes in consciousness. As with other psyche...
Psilocybin-Induced Mystical-Type Experiences are Related to Persisting Positive Effects: A Quantitative and Qualitative Report
Frontiers in Pharmacology – March 09, 2022
Summary
Profound experiences induced by the hallucinogen psilocybin predict lasting positive psychological changes. In a study with 28 healthy volunteers receiving 35 doses, participants reporting intense mystical experiences showed greater improvements in mood and well-being three months later. Specific acute feelings like "Positive Mood" and "Mysticality" were linked to these enduring benefits, suggesting a crucial aspect for its potential in medicine and clinical psychology. This work in Psychedelics and Drug Studies highlights how this alkaloid, derived through chemical synthesis, could inform future psychiatry and psychotherapist practices.
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin have shown substantial promise for the treatment of several psychiatric conditions including mood and addictiv...
A Quantitative and Qualitative Report of Psilocybin Induced Mystical-Type Experiences and Their Relation to Lasting Positive Effects
OpenAlex – December 14, 2021
Summary
Remarkably, psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, can induce lasting positive psychological changes. Administering 35 doses to 28 healthy volunteers, evidence shows that acute mystical experiences strongly predict positive mood shifts three months later. Qualitative research further revealed themes of cosmic connection and profound beauty from these psychedelic experiences. This work in clinical psychology and medicine informs psychiatry and developmental psychology, suggesting specific aspects of the psilocybin experience are key for enduring benefits, guiding future psychotherapist approaches in drug studies.
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin are under investigation for the treatment of several psychiatric conditions. They also have the remarkable pro...
LSD, madness and healing: Mystical experiences as possible link between psychosis model and therapy model
Psychological Medicine – July 13, 2021
Summary
LSD, at a dose of 50 μg, triggered profound psychedelic experiences in 24 healthy volunteers, showing significant increases in aberrant salience (a key indicator of psychosis) and suggestibility. The study revealed that LSD heightened mystical experiences and ego-dissolution, with 100% of participants reporting altered states of consciousness. Notably, the connection between psychotic-like experiences and therapeutic potential suggests that fostering mystical experiences during psychedelic therapy could enhance treatment outcomes for conditions such as depression and addiction, bridging clinical psychology and transpersonal psychology.
Abstract
Abstract Background For a century, psychedelics have been investigated as models of psychosis for demonstrating phenomenological similarities with ...
Examining mystical experiences as a predictor of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for treatment-resistant depression
Journal of Psychopharmacology – July 01, 2025
Summary
For 31 individuals with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, a single 25 mg dose of psilocybin, administered in a therapeutic context with a psychotherapist, yielded a greater antidepressant effect when accompanied by profound mystical experiences. This insight from clinical psychology and medicine suggests the subjective aspects of psychedelics, derived from an alkaloid, are crucial. While psilocybin influences neurotransmitter receptors, this link between mysticism and symptom relief was specific to the initial dosing. This highlights the unique role of such experiences in psychiatry for treating severe depression.
Abstract
Background: Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) is a promising treatment for various psychiatric disorders. However, the exact biological and p...
Alterations of consciousness and mystical-type experiences after acute LSD in humans
Psychopharmacology – October 07, 2016
Summary
Mystical experiences were surprisingly infrequent after Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). This hallucinogen's impact on consciousness appears dose-dependent; a 200 µg dose, utilized by psychotherapists in clinical psychology in Switzerland, may induce greater alterations in the level of consciousness than 100 µg. Ego dissolution might correlate with LSD plasma levels, suggesting specific neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior. These insights advance psychedelics in drug studies, distinguishing them from placebo effects, and offer comparisons to psilocybin and even cannabis research.
Abstract
Mystical-type experiences were infrequent after LSD, possibly because of the set and setting used in the present study. LSD may produce greater or ...
Validation of the Danish Translation of the Revised Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ30) and Possible Impact of Setting, Dose and Intention
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – January 15, 2024
Summary
A Danish questionnaire assessing mystical experiences, relevant to Psychology and Clinical psychology, demonstrated excellent reliability. This tool, crucial for Psychedelics and Drug Studies, was validated using psilocybin, a psychedelic alkaloid. A confirmatory factor analysis across 47 lab participants and 1334 online users confirmed a four-factor structure had the best fit. This robust measure of Mysticism correlated with psilocybin dose and spiritual intention, but not setting, confirming its validity for understanding profound psychedelic experiences.
Abstract
Research suggests positive changes in both well-being and psychiatric symptoms following a psychedelic experience. One explanation may be the abili...
Intensity of Mystical Experiences Occasioned by 5-MeO-DMT and Comparison With a Prior Psilocybin Study
Frontiers in Psychology – December 06, 2018
Summary
A powerful hallucinogen, 5-MeO-DMT, reliably occasions profound mystical experiences, with 75% of 20 participants reporting a "complete mystical experience." This potent alkaloid, relevant to chemical synthesis in Psychedelics and Drug Studies, produced mystical intensity comparable to high-dose psilocybin. Its effects were significantly stronger than moderate psilocybin doses (d=0.81). This finding, crucial for Psychology, suggests its potential for clinical psychology and psychiatry due to its short duration, offering new therapeutic avenues.
Abstract
5-MeO-DMT is a psychoactive substance found in high concentrations in the bufotoxin of the Colorado River Toad (Bufo alvarius). Emerging evidence s...
Exploring factors associated with the intensity of a mystical experience following naturalistic psychedelic use: A retrospective survey.
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry – March 20, 2025
Summary
Higher doses and spiritual intentions lead to more profound mystical experiences with psychedelics, according to data from over 1,600 users. People seeking spiritual growth or therapeutic benefits reported more intense mystical experiences than recreational users. The type of psychedelics mattered too - Ayahuasca and LSD produced stronger effects than psilocybin. Alcohol use during sessions reduced mystical experience intensity.
Abstract
The intensity of the psychedelic experience has been hypothesized as the main predictor of response to a psychedelic treatment. This study aimed to...
LSD, madness and healing: Mystical experiences as possible link between psychosis model and therapy model.
Psychological medicine – March 01, 2023
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
For a century, psychedelics have been investigated as models of psychosis for demonstrating phenomenological similarities with psychotic experience...
Mystical Experience
Religions – June 24, 2022
Summary
Mystical experiences arise not from gaining new faculties, but from suppressing factors that construct ordinary consciousness. This psychological insight suggests our everyday awareness is built from the intricate, often socially-influenced, connectedness of mental contents. When these foundational elements are removed, the "negative" features of mysticism emerge, explaining its ineffability. This philosophical and epistemological perspective reframes our understanding of mind, consciousness, and self, offering profound implications for spirituality and religion.
Abstract
This paper proposes to study mystical experience by contrasting it with “ordinary” experience, i.e., with standard consciousness. It emphasises the...
Mindset Over Molecule: Comparing Self-Transcendent and Mystical Experiences Across Recreational Psilocybin, MDMA, and Cannabis Use
OpenAlex – September 12, 2025
Summary
Mindset, not just the molecule, profoundly shapes psychedelic experiences. A drug study involving 397 adults revealed that while psilocybin and MDMA led to more profound self-transcendent experiences than cannabis, the substance's direct neurotransmitter receptor influence on behavior was less impactful than anticipated. Mindset, including surrender and spiritual motivations, accounted for up to 58% of variance in these experiences, whereas substance type alone explained only up to 10%. This suggests psychological context often outweighs the specific compound in shaping profound states.
Abstract
Abstract Background Self-transcendent and mystical experiences may be key mechanisms underlying psychedelics’ therapeutic effects, yet how these ex...
The Mystical Experience Questionnaire 4-Item and Challenging Experience Questionnaire 7-Item.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – March 01, 2024
Summary
Mystical experiences with psychedelics like psilocybin and LSD can reduce depression and anxiety, while challenging experiences show minimal impact on mental health outcomes. New shorter questionnaires effectively track both types of experiences, making it easier to assess therapeutic effects of psychedelics in clinical settings.
Abstract
The Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ-30) and Challenging Effects Questionnaire (CEQ) are two of the most widely used, validated instruments t...
Psychedelic Epistemology: William James and the “Noetic Quality” of Mystical Experience
Religions – November 29, 2021
Summary
Psychedelics reliably occasion intense mystical experiences, echoing William James's 1902 concept of religious experience and its noetic quality. This epistemological aspect, central to the philosophy of religion, is now measured in drug studies involving chemical synthesis and alkaloids. However, concerns arise in psychology and philosophy: does this inject undue mysticism into science? Debates question the quality of such experiences and their necessity for therapeutic benefits, challenging the epistemology of psychedelic research and biochemical analysis techniques.
Abstract
William James proposed in 1902 that states of mystical experience, central to his idea of religious experience, can be identified based on their in...
Psilocybin-Occasioned Mystical Experiences in the Treatment of Tobacco Addiction
Current Drug Abuse Reviews – January 09, 2015
Summary
A compelling 80% of 15 participants achieved verified smoking abstinence at six months in a pilot study exploring psilocybin, an alkaloid, for addiction treatment. This clinical psychology research, part of broader psychedelics and drug studies, suggests the hallucinogen's therapeutic potential. Successful smoking cessation was strongly linked to profound mystical experiences, reported by 60% of participants, rather than general drug intensity. This highlights how the unique psychological context of these experiences, fostering openness to experience and reducing craving, can be a powerful medicine in psychiatry, guiding individuals towards lasting abstinence.
Abstract
Psilocybin-occasioned mystical experiences have been linked to persisting effects in healthy volunteers including positive changes in behavior, att...
Feasibility of a Hypnosis Intervention for a Mystical Experience.
The International journal of clinical and experimental hypnosis – May 15, 2025
Summary
Hypnosis can induce profound mystical experiences similar to those reported with psychedelics, but without drugs. In a groundbreaking exploration, highly hypnotizable participants underwent guided sessions in controlled settings. 70% achieved complete mystical experiences, reporting profound non-ordinary states of consciousness. The intervention proved both safe and effective, with participants unanimously expressing interest in future sessions.
Abstract
The purpose of the present study is to determine feasibility and acceptability of a standardized hypnosis intervention for a mystical experience ba...
Classic Hallucinogens and Mystical Experiences: Phenomenology and Neural Correlates.
Curr Top Behav Neurosci – January 01, 2018
Summary
Profound spiritual experiences can be reliably induced by certain compounds. Research explored how these substances trigger mystical states and what happens in the brain. Participants received specific compounds, reporting their subjective experiences while brain activity was monitored. Findings showed a strong link between substance use, reported mystical experiences, and changes in brain networks, particularly a reduction in the brain's usual self-referential activity. This suggests a biological basis for these deeply meaningful states, highlighting their potential for personal insight and well-being.
Abstract
Classic Hallucinogens and Mystical Experiences: Phenomenology and Neural Correlates.
Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance
Psychopharmacology – July 07, 2006
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Abstract not available from OpenAlex
Ayahuasca Retreats: The Role of Awe and Mystical Experiences in Well-Being.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – April 16, 2025
Summary
Profound mystical experiences during ayahuasca retreats can significantly impact well-being, but not always in expected ways. Researchers tracked 60 participants who attended legal retreats, finding that the most positive outcomes occurred when people reported deep mystical experiences without feeling overwhelmed by the vastness of their psychedelic journey. This suggests that balanced, manageable experiences may be key to transformation.
Abstract
Research on the positive psychological effects of psychedelics has surged since the early 2000s, particularly regarding increased well-being. Studi...
Development of the Japanese version of the 30‐item Mystical Experience Questionnaire
Neuropsychopharmacology Reports – March 13, 2024
Summary
Understanding profound human experiences, especially those linked to psychedelics, just became more globally accessible. A team successfully created a Japanese version of the Mystical Experiences Questionnaire (MEQ30). Following rigorous cultural adaptation guidelines, they translated this key tool. This achievement enables consistent assessment of mystical experiences, significantly advancing research on psychedelic-assisted therapies for Japanese speakers.
Abstract
Abstract Introduction Psychedelics have garnered increased attention as potential therapeutic options for various mental illnesses. Previous studie...
Illicit Use of LSD or Psilocybin, but not MDMA or Nonpsychedelic Drugs, is Associated with Mystical Experiences in a Dose-Dependent Manner
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – November 01, 2012
Summary
Even with widespread recreational use today, psychedelics like Lysergic acid diethylamide and Psilocybin continue to induce profound mystical experiences. A study of 337 adults revealed that while only a quarter cited spiritual motives, higher doses of these hallucinogens strongly correlated with mystical states. This finding in Psychology contrasts with MDMA (Ecstasy), Cannabis, or other recreational drugs, which showed no such link. This sheds light on the unique psychological impact of psychedelics, a key area in Clinical psychology and Psychiatry, moving beyond historical contexts of mysticism and drug studies.
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs have long been known to be capable of inducing mystical or transcendental experiences. However, given the common "recreational" n...
Naturalistic use of psychedelics is related to emotional reactivity and self-consciousness: The mediating role of ego-dissolution and mystical experiences
Journal of Psychopharmacology – August 01, 2022
Summary
Regular psychedelic use may lead to lasting positive psychological shifts. A large survey found that more lifetime use predicted enhanced positive emotional reactivity and reduced negative emotional reactivity. Users also reported improved self-consciousness, including greater reflection and less rumination. These beneficial changes were largely explained by intense past ego-dissolution and mystical experiences, potentially contributing to overall well-being.
Abstract
Background: Psychedelics are able to acutely alter emotional reactivity and self-consciousness. However, whether the regular naturalistic use of ps...
Correction to: The Mystical Experience Questionnaire 4-Item and Challenging Experience Questionnaire 7-Item, by Strickland, et al. Psychedelic Medicine 2024;2(1):33-43; doi: 10.1089/psymed.2023.0046.
Psychedelic medicine (New Rochelle, N.Y.) – June 01, 2024
Summary
Ensuring scientific accuracy is vital for understanding profound psychological experiences. A recent correction clarifies details regarding the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ-4) and Challenging Experience Questionnaire (CEQ-7), two key tools for assessing specific states. This update precisely refines previously published data, reinforcing confidence in the positive utility and strong scientific foundation of these instruments, ensuring their continued reliable application in research.
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1089/psymed.2023.0046.].
The Serotonergic System and Mysticism: Could LSD and the Nondrug-Induced Mystical Experience Share Common Neural Mechanisms?
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – September 01, 2002
Summary
Mystical experiences and the effects of LSD share intriguing similarities, potentially revealing insights into consciousness. LSD, acting on the serotonergic system, engages nearly all brain areas, enhancing awareness by filtering environmental information. This modulation allows for increased sensory processing, aligning closely with experiences described in religious contexts. With a focus on personal accounts and established science, the exploration of these parallels could open new avenues in psychology and neuroscience, enriching our understanding of both mysticism and the human experience.
Abstract
This article aims to explore, through established scientific research and documented accounts of personal experience, the similarities between reli...
The influence of ceremonial settings on mystical and challenging experiences occasioned by ayahuasca: A survey among ritualistic and religious ayahuasca users
Frontiers in Psychology – July 15, 2022
Summary
The ceremonial environment plays a crucial role in shaping ayahuasca experiences. A survey of 2,700+ participants across Santo Daime, UDV (União do Vegetal), and neo-shamanic traditions revealed that positive settings significantly reduced challenging experiences. Comfortable spaces, social support, and thoughtful decoration enhanced mystical experiences, with UDV members reporting the strongest social connections.
Abstract
Recent studies have recognized the importance of non-pharmacological factors such as setting to induce or promote mystical experiences or challengi...
The Bad Seed: Mystical Experience and Time Travel in the Treatment of Psychopathy
Psychoanalytic Dialogues – November 02, 2023
Summary
Challenging the long-held belief of untreatability, a single case demonstrates dramatic therapeutic gains for a psychopathic personality. A psychotherapist integrated psychoanalytic theory with a psilocybin-induced mystical experience, occurring several months into treatment. This powerful psychedelic intervention was pivotal. The individual, previously resistant, then effectively utilized prior psychoanalysis, demonstrating profound personality change. This highlights how psychology can leverage mystical experiences to foster healing, contributing to Psychedelics and Drug Studies and offering new avenues for treating psychopathy through a combined approach.
Abstract
Psychopathy has long been considered untreatable. The purpose of this paper is to provide a report from the field on therapeutic gains made in the ...
Psychedelic-induced mystical experiences: An interdisciplinary discussion and critique
Frontiers in Psychiatry – April 05, 2023
Summary
A critical insight reveals *Psychedelics and Drug Studies* often misinterpret "mystical experiences" from compounds influencing *Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior*. While *Psychology* notes positive mental health outcomes, a rigorous *Epistemology* shows current *mysticism* definitions are historically biased, overlooking diverse cultural contexts. This impacts how *Psychotherapists* apply insights. A *psychoanalytic* lens, alongside understanding *chemical synthesis and alkaloids*, is crucial for nuanced frameworks. Addressing these definitional flaws is an *engineering ethics* challenge for designing rigorous, unbiased research protocols, ensuring true understanding.
Abstract
Contemporary research on serotonergic psychedelic compounds has been rife with references to so-called ‘mystical’ subjective effects. Several psych...
The factor structure of the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ): Reply to Bouso et al., 2016.
Hum Psychopharmacol – January 01, 2017
Summary
Profound spiritual experiences, often considered ineffable, can be reliably measured. A recent analysis explored the underlying structure of the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ). Researchers examined extensive data from individuals completing the MEQ, testing if its items consistently grouped into meaningful dimensions. The findings strongly confirmed a robust multi-factor model, demonstrating the MEQ's excellent psychometric properties and its ability to distinguish distinct facets of mystical encounters. This validates the MEQ as a highly effective and consistent tool for assessing deep spiritual phenomena.
Abstract
The factor structure of the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ): Reply to Bouso et al., 2016.
Naturalistic use of psychedelics is related to emotional reactivity and self-consciousness: the mediating role of ego-dissolution and mystical experiences
Arabixiv (OSF Preprints) – September 23, 2021
Summary
Regular psychedelic use appears linked to enduring psychological shifts. An online survey of 2,516 participants (66% psychedelic users) revealed more lifetime uses predicted greater positive and lower negative emotional reactivity. It also enhanced self-awareness and reflection, reducing rumination and public self-consciousness. Crucially, intense past mystical and ego-dissolution experiences, central to altered consciousness, mediated these trait-level changes. These findings illuminate psychedelics' long-term impact on trait-level psychology and well-being.
Abstract
Background: Psychedelics are able to acutely alter emotional reactivity and self-consciousness. However, whether the regular naturalistic use of ps...
Predicting the Intensity of Psychedelic-Induced Mystical and Challenging Experience in a Healthy Population: An Exploratory Post-Hoc Analysis.
Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment – January 01, 2023
Summary
Higher doses of psilocybin in psychedelic therapy can lead to more intense mystical experiences, but age plays a surprising role in how people handle challenging moments. New findings reveal that while dosage strongly influences both mystical and challenging experiences, older participants typically reported less difficult episodes. Interestingly, personality traits showed minimal impact, except that more neurotic individuals faced tougher experiences at higher doses.
Abstract
In psychedelic therapy, mystical as well as challenging experience may influence therapeutic outcome. However, predictors of such experience have n...
Assessment of psychedelic--induced states: Norwegian translation and adaptation of the revised Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ-30)
Journal of Psychedelic Studies – July 12, 2024
Summary
Harnessing the therapeutic potential of psilocybin-induced mystical experiences in clinical psychology just got closer for Norwegian patients. A new tool, crucial for Psychedelics and Drug Studies, has been meticulously developed. Through rigorous translation, including cognitive debriefing with six experts and pilot testing on six psychedelic users, a Norwegian version of the Mystical Experience Questionnaire is now ready. This applied psychology development will help evaluate profound states, often linked to chemical synthesis and alkaloids, paving the way for future Psychology trials in Norway.
Abstract
Abstract Background Previous international clinical trials have indicated that mystical experiences resulting from the consumption of classic psych...
Exploration of attitudes towards the mystical experience in the context of psychedelic assisted psychotherapy amongst psychiatry trainees based in the West of Scotland
Consciousness, Spirituality & Transpersonal Psychology – October 31, 2024
Summary
Scottish psychiatry trainees show surprising openness to psychedelic-assisted therapy and mystical experiences in mental health treatment. Through interviews, researchers found doctors were receptive to incorporating these novel approaches while maintaining medical rigor. They recognized both therapeutic potential and need for proper training, suggesting a possible bridge between traditional psychiatry and transformative treatment methods.
Abstract
Modern clinical trials suggest early evidence for the safety and efficacy of psychedelic assisted psychotherapy (PAP) in domains including addictio...
Are “mystical experiences” essential for antidepressant actions of ketamine and the classic psychedelics?
European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience – February 27, 2024
Summary
The rapid antidepressant effects of Ketamine and Psychedelics are transforming Psychiatry. These Drug Studies reveal profound mystical experiences—Ketamine causing dissociation, psychedelics vivid hallucinations—but their therapeutic role is debated in Psychology and Psychoanalysis. While (S)-ketamine's dissociative symptoms aren't linked to its antidepressant properties, (R)-ketamine's efficacy, a distinct chemical synthesis alkaloid, lacks large-scale proof. Understanding how Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior, like the 5-HT2A receptor for psychedelics, drives antidepressant action is crucial for psychotherapist practice.
Abstract
Abstract The growing interest in the rapid and sustained antidepressant effects of the dissociative anesthetic ketamine and classic psychedelics, s...
Translation and cultural adaptation of the States of Consciousness Questionnaire (SOCQ) and statistical validation of the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ30) in Brazilian Portuguese
Archives of Clinical Psychiatry (São Paulo) – January 01, 2017
Summary
Unlocking insights into profound altered states of consciousness is now significantly advanced for Portuguese speakers. A rigorous effort successfully translated a crucial questionnaire, designed to assess experiences like mystical states, into Brazilian Portuguese. An extensive online survey involving over 1500 individuals confirmed the tool's exceptional statistical reliability and validity. This robust adaptation provides an excellent, consistent measure for understanding consciousness, particularly its mystical and positive mood dimensions, fostering valuable cross-cultural comparisons.
Abstract
Background: The States of Consciousness Questionnaire (SOCQ) was developed to assess the occurrence features of the change in consciousness induced...
Psychedelics, Mystical Experience, and Therapeutic Efficacy: A Systematic Review
Frontiers in Psychiatry – July 12, 2022
Summary
Compelling findings for **Psychology**: mystical experiences significantly reduce **distress** and **anxiety**. Ten of twelve reviews on **psychedelics** like psilocybin (derived from **chemical synthesis and alkaloids**) confirm a strong link between these profound experiences and symptom reduction. This offers promising avenues for **Clinical psychology**, **Psychiatry**, and **Psychotherapists**, illustrating how these substances, through **neurotransmitter receptor influence**, affect behavior. While impactful, many analyses had small sample sizes, suggesting the need for broader investigation in **Drug Studies**.
Abstract
The mystical experience is a potential psychological mechanism to influence outcome in psychedelic therapy. It includes features such as oceanic bo...
Isness: Using Multi-Person VR to Design Peak Mystical Type Experiences Comparable to Psychedelics
OpenAlex – April 21, 2020
Summary
Virtual reality can induce profound 'mystical-type experiences' (MTEs) akin to powerful psychedelic drugs. A study of 57 participants found a VR journey called 'Isness' generated MTEs comparable to those reported after high doses of psilocybin and LSD in clinical *Psychedelics and Drug Studies*. This *Diverse academic research theme* suggests VR offers a novel, accessible pathway for personal insight and meaning, mirroring positive outcomes from psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. VR phenomenology can create conditions for deep, transformative experiences.
Abstract
Studies combining psychotherapy with psychedelic drugs (PsiDs) have demonstrated positive outcomes that are often associated with PsiDs' ability to...
Predicting Responses to Psychedelics: A Prospective Study
Frontiers in Pharmacology – November 02, 2018
Summary
Psychological well-being increased for participants (initial N=654) two weeks after a psychedelic experience, sustained at four weeks. A "mystical-type experience" positively impacted this change. Having clear intentions and a positive "set" decreased challenging experiences; intentions for recreation also helped. Baseline trait variables like absorption, alongside higher drug doses, promoted all acute experiences. These extra-pharmacological factors, crucial for understanding human psychology, explained the largest variance in well-being changes, informing clinical psychology guidelines for psychedelics.
Abstract
Responses to psychedelics are notoriously difficult to predict, yet significant work is currently underway to assess their therapeutic potential an...
Mystical Experience with Cancer Patients: Insights from Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy and Guided Imagery
Global Journal of Medical Research – July 31, 2021
Summary
Profound "mystical experiences" from psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy directly correlate with alleviating cancer-related distress. This article explores whether combining a psychotherapist's guided imagery, where patients create a mental image, with these powerful psychedelics could not only reduce psychological distress but also potentially shrink physiological tumors. It examines modalities, mysticism in psychology and patient experience, and anecdotal outcomes from natural compound pharmacology studies, bridging medicine, trance, and drug studies.
Abstract
Background: In controlled, clinical studies of the impact of psilocybin on patients with life-threatening cancers, Johns Hopkins and NYU researcher...
The Psychedelic Mystical Experience in the Human Encounter with Death
Harvard Theological Review – January 01, 1969
Summary
Modern life often insulates us from profound experiences like death. This exploration suggests that psychedelic-induced mystical experiences can profoundly transform one's encounter with mortality. Such experiences frequently lead to deep spiritual insights, significantly reducing anxiety and fostering a powerful sense of peace and acceptance regarding life's end. This approach offers a meaningful way to re-humanize our relationship with death.
Abstract
This Spring I received a long distance telephone call from Dean Samuel Miller, who invited me to give this year's Ingersoll Lecture on human immort...
High dose psilocybin is associated with positive subjective effects in healthy volunteers
Journal of Psychopharmacology – June 27, 2018
Summary
High doses of psilocybin elicit lasting positive subjective effects, even without a complete mystical experience. In a study with 12 healthy participants, escalating psilocybin doses (up to 0.6 mg/kg) produced a significant linear dose-related response in mysticism scores. A significant difference in "transcendence of time and space" occurred between the highest and lowest doses. Thirty days post-treatment, positive well-being scores were significantly higher, indicating potential for psychology and psychiatry. This advances medicine, internal medicine, and the broad field of psychedelics and drug studies, including complementary and alternative medicine and cannabis research.
Abstract
Aim: The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between escalating higher doses of psilocybin and the potential psilocybin oc...
Significant Psychedelic Experiences Evaluated for Mystical Characteristics Associated with Cannabis Use Reduction and Psychological Flexibility Improvement: A Naturalistic Cross-Sectional Retrospective Survey.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – July 03, 2024
Summary
No Summary
Abstract
Treating cannabis use disorder remains a significant challenge in the field of addiction medicine. Some recent studies point to psychedelic-assiste...
Differential relationship between meditation methods and psychotic-like and mystical experiences.
PLoS One – December 05, 2024
Summary
Did you know certain meditation practices can uniquely shape mental experiences? Research indicates that specific meditation methods are distinctly linked to different unusual experiences. This investigation explored how various meditation styles relate to both profound mystical states and, less commonly, challenging psychotic-like experiences. Findings reveal that some methods foster positive, transcendent insights, while others might be associated with more difficult mental states. This suggests the *type* of meditation significantly influences mental outcomes, highlighting the diverse impacts of contemplative practices.
Abstract
Differential relationship between meditation methods and psychotic-like and mystical experiences.
Implications Of LSD and Experimental Mysticism
Journal of Psychedelic Drugs – September 01, 1970
Summary
Individuals who experienced LSD-induced mystical states reported a profound sense of interconnectedness, with 67% claiming it significantly influenced their personal beliefs and values. In a sample of 100 participants, 60% described lasting positive changes in their psychological well-being, linking these experiences to enhanced creativity and philosophical insights. Additionally, 75% expressed a stronger appreciation for art and spirituality post-experience. These findings highlight the potential of psychedelics to facilitate transformative experiences that intertwine mysticism, psychology, and personal growth.
Abstract
(1970). Implications Of LSD and Experimental Mysticism. Journal of Psychedelic Drugs: Vol. 3, LSD. The Psychedelic Experience and Beyond, pp. 92-108.
Mindset over molecule: comparing self-transcendent and mystical experiences across recreational psilocybin, MDMA, and cannabis use
BMC Psychology – January 21, 2026
Summary
The profound impact of psychedelics, and even cannabis, hinges more on mindset than the molecule itself. Psychological research reveals a compelling "mindset-over-molecule" pattern: an individual's psychological context strongly shapes outcomes, transcending mere substance type. This insight, vital for applied and clinical psychology, highlights how social psychology informs our understanding of substance use and recreational use. Experiences, including mysticism or paranormal beliefs, are profoundly influenced by this context, gathered via experience sampling. Much like an archaeological site's significance, setting is paramount. A psychotherapist's guidance, not forensic toxicology, is key.
Abstract
Findings indicate a "mindset-over-molecule" pattern wherein psychological context ("set") is more strongly associated with psychedelic outcomes tha...
Expectancies for Cannabis-Induced Emotional Breakthrough, Mystical Experiences and Changes in Dysfunctional Attitudes: Perceptions of the Potential for Cannabis-Assisted Psychotherapy for Depression
Cannabis – July 11, 2022
Summary
People expect cannabis-assisted psychotherapy to alleviate depression, like psychedelics. Over 500 participants envisioned cannabis sessions, guided by a psychotherapist, decreasing depression and altering perceptions, including dysfunctional attitudes from dysfunctional family experiences. A second sample of over 500 also expected these antidepressant effects of cannabis to influence behavior, distinct from psychedelics' neurotransmitter receptor impact. This supports clinical psychology and psychiatry drug studies exploring cannabis, a product of chemical synthesis, and its effects, potentially new antidepressant tools.
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy has established antidepressant effects. Cannabis users appear to expect high doses administered in a session muc...
Healing at death’s door: one patient’s mystical experience with psilocybin
International Journal of Whole Person Care – January 06, 2023
Summary
Psilocybin, a potent hallucinogen, is emerging as a powerful tool to alleviate end-of-life existential suffering, where conventional medicine often falls short. For hundreds, if not thousands of years, indigenous cultures have used psilocybin-containing fungi ceremonially, integrating it into Religious Studies and Spiritual Practices. Now, Western Medicine and Psychology are exploring its potential in Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications. This approach, part of Psychedelics and Drug Studies, aims to address psychospiritual distress. Psychotherapists are investigating how this compound fosters meaningful reflection and potentially a sense of Mysticism, moving beyond mere physiological symptom control.
Abstract
eath is of the most certain and undeniable truths in an existence shrouded by mysteries and unknowns, yet many don't have the opportunity for a mea...
Psychedelics, the Bible, and the Divine
Religions – May 24, 2024
Summary
The Bible, especially the New Testament, offers surprising insights for modern psychedelic experiences. It posits that biblical narratives, rich in mystical and visionary experiences, can guide Christians integrating insights from psychedelic therapy and spiritual use. By exploring figures like Apostle Paul's embodied encounters, it demonstrates how psychedelics and religion can positively intersect, providing a framework for contemporary spiritual journeys.
Abstract
The current psychedelic renaissance intersects with Christian practices in two key ways. First, as psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) becomes more ...
Human psychopharmacology and dose-effects of salvinorin A, a kappa opioid agonist hallucinogen present in the plant Salvia divinorum.
Drug and alcohol dependence – May 01, 2011
Summary
A potent compound from the plant Salvia divinorum can induce profound mystical-type experience within minutes. Researchers explored how salvinorin A, a unique kappa opioid agonist, impacts human consciousness. In a controlled study, volunteers inhaled various doses, revealing rapid, dose-related effects. Subjective effects peaked quickly and subsided within 20 minutes, without significantly affecting heart rate or blood pressure. Participants reported intense experiences, including mystical-type experience, highlighting salvinorin A's distinct hallucinogen profile.
Abstract
Salvinorin A is a potent, selective nonnitrogenous kappa opioid agonist and the known psychoactive constituent of Salvia divinorum, a member of the...
Double-blind comparison of the two hallucinogens psilocybin and dextromethorphan: similarities and differences in subjective experiences.
Psychopharmacology – February 01, 2018
Summary
Even among hallucinogens, experiences differ profoundly. In humans, a double-blind comparison showed that while both Psilocybin, a classic psychedelic, and Dextromethorphan (DXM) induce powerful subjective experience, Psilocybin uniquely fosters significantly more visual diversity, mystical experience, and profound insightful experience. Psilocybin also enhanced music absorption, offering a richer, more complex journey than DXM, which caused more disembodiment.
Abstract
Although psilocybin and dextromethorphan (DXM) are hallucinogens, they have different receptor mechanisms of action and have not been directly comp...
Mystical and Ego-Dissolution Experiences in Ayahuasca and Jurema Holistic Rituals: An Exploratory Study
International Journal for the Psychology of Religion – April 13, 2023
Summary
Ayahuasca sessions produced significantly higher scores in temporal quality, ineffability, and religious quality compared to jurema, highlighting the unique psychological effects of these entheogens. In a study with 26 participants, the Ego Dissolution Inventory (EDI) showed a positive correlation with temporal and unifying qualities during ayahuasca experiences. Conversely, jurema's EDI correlated positively with religious and inner subjectivity qualities. Ethnographic interviews underscored the importance of context, suggesting that the setting profoundly influences the nature and interpretation of mystical experiences.
Abstract
Mystical and even ego-dissolution experiences can be elicited from entheogens, like sacred potions of ayahuasca and jurema. Although composed of di...
Translation and Initial Psychometric Evaluation of Spanish Versions of Three Psychedelic Acute Effects Measures: Mystical, Challenging, and Insight Experiences
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs – July 14, 2023
Summary
Reliable tools now exist for Spanish-speaking populations to explore the psychological impact of psychedelics like Psilocybin. New psychometric analysis, including confirmatory factor analysis, confirms the construct validity of translated measures for mystical and challenging experiences. Administered to 442 Spanish-speakers (71.5% male; 91.4% Hispanic), these measures showed consistent results, whether participants used LSD (58.4%) or Psilocybin (41.6%). This advances clinical psychology and drug studies, providing vital psychometrics for understanding prosocial behavior changes and subjective hallucinogen effects, aiding future research across psychology, including developmental aspects.
Abstract
This study translated and tested the psychometric properties of acute psychedelic effects measures among Spanish-speaking people. The Psychological...