Association between mystical-type experiences under psychedelics and improvements in well-being or mental health – A comprehensive review of the evidence
Journal of Psychedelic Studies March 3, 2023 S. Kangaslampi
Classic psychedelics sometimes improve well-being or mental health, and acute mystical-type experiences have been linked to these improvements. Psychological insights and emotional breakthroughs during the experience are also being studied. A comprehensive review of 44 empirical studies found positive associations between mystical-type experiences and improvements in well-being, especially in healthy people, cross-sectional studies, and for general well-being, life satisfaction, attitudes, behavior, and anxiety, but less so for depression. Psychological insights and emotional breakthroughs may be as or more closely associated with positive changes than mystical-type experiences. The evidence suggests mystical-type experiences are associated with improvements in some areas, but insights and breakthroughs may be at least as important.