Predictors and potentiators of psychedelic-occasioned mystical experiences

Mystical experiences, often described as profoundly meaningful, can be reliably induced by psychedelic substances under appropriate conditions. Their occurrence during psychedelic sessions is a key mediator of sustained psychological benefits in healthy and clinical populations. Factors such as set and setting, drug dosage, trait absorption, drug type, intention, and states of surrender and acceptance influence these experiences. Additional elements like music, meditation, spiritual practices, and nature-based settings may enhance their intensity and long-term benefits. This review examines these factors and considers how to optimize them to increase the likelihood of mystical experiences, while also addressing negatively associated factors and suggesting future research avenues.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Mystical experiences are often described as being among the most profound and meaningful events of a person’s life. Their occurrence, while a normal but uncommon phenomenon, is reliably occasioned by psychedelic substances under the appropriate conditions, although care is needed around the context of usage to help ensure safe and beneficial experiences. The occurrence of mystical experiences in psychedelic sessions is a key mediator of the sustained psychological benefits reported in both healthy and clinical populations. Certain factors including set and setting, drug dosage, trait absorption, drug type, intention and states of surrender and acceptance all predict or influence the occurrence of mystical experiences. Various additional factors may further contribute to the occurrence and intensity of mystical experiences and enhance their long-term benefits, including music, meditation and spiritual practices and nature-based settings. This review examines these factors and considers how they might be optimised to increase the chances of a mystical experience occurring, while also considering factors that are negatively associated with mystical experiences with suggestions on how these might be mitigated where applicable. Finally, potential future research avenues for furthering our knowledge of psychedelic mystical experiences and how their benefits might be enhanced is suggested. Maximising the potential for the occurrence of mystical experiences is an important aspect of the beneficial application of psychedelics.