Psychedelic Use and Mystical-Type Experiences are Associated With Greater Self-Compassion, Compassionate Love, and Life Satisfaction
Journal of Humanistic Psychology April 28, 2026 Austin J. Mallard, Matthew Broussard, Richard J. Zeifman et al.
People who have used psychedelics, either currently or in the past, report higher levels of compassionate love, self-compassion, and life satisfaction compared to those who have never used psychedelics. Current users also show greater self-compassion and life satisfaction than past users. Lifetime mystical-type experiences are positively linked to these aspects of positive psychological functioning across all groups, not just among psychedelic users. The findings, based on a cross-sectional survey of 984 people, suggest that psychedelic use and mystical experiences may support well-being, but the study is limited by self-reporting, its cross-sectional design, and a homogenous sample.