Integration of the Psychedelic Experience Among Brazilians: A Survey Study.
Ana Cláudia Mesquita Garcia, Lucas Oliveira Maia, Everson Meireles, Jaime Andrés Vinasco Barco, Luís Fernando Tófoli
Journal of psychoactive drugs May 19, 2026 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2026.2673842 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA Brazilian Portuguese version of the Psychedelic Integration Scales (PIS-BR) was validated in a cross-sectional online survey of 1,379 participants. The scale showed a unidimensional structure, high internal consistency (α = 0.95), and strong associations with mystical experience (r = 0.636) and positivity (r = 0.352). Qualitative analysis of open-ended responses revealed diverse integration strategies such as personal reflection, psychotherapy, spiritual practices, connection with nature, social sharing, and personal transformation, alongside reported difficulties. The findings support the PIS-BR as a valid measure for studying psychedelic integration in Brazil and highlight cultural variability in integration processes beyond acute drug effects.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1,379 |
| Population | Brazilian users of psychedelics recruited online |
| Keywords | Psychedelic Integration Psychometric validation |
| Key finding | The Brazilian Portuguese version of the Psychedelic Integration Scales (PIS-BR) demonstrated strong psychometric properties with a unidimensional structure, high internal consistency, and significant correlations with mystical experience and positivity. |
Abstract
This study examines psychedelic integration among Brazilian users by validating a Brazilian Portuguese version of the Psychedelic Integration Scales (PIS), developed through translation and cultural adaptation to ensure relevance and applicability within the Brazilian sociocultural context. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1379 participants recruited online. Confirmatory Factor Analysis supported a unidimensional structure for the Brazilian version of the scale (PIS-BR), with satisfactory internal consistency (α = 0.95) and strong evidence of validity based on the relationship with external variables with mystical experience (r = 0.636, p < .01) and positivity (r = 0.352, p < .01). Qualitative analysis of open-ended responses, supported by AI-assisted methods and reviewed by researchers, identified diverse integration strategies, including personal reflection and self-analysis, psychotherapy and professional support, spiritual and meditative practices, connection with nature, social sharing and support networks, personal and relational transformation, and difficulties in integration. This study contributes to understanding psychedelic integration processes in a culturally distinct context. Despite limitations related to sampling and cross-sectional design, the findings provide valuable insights for future research on the conceptualization, measurement, and cultural variability of psychedelic integration beyond the acute effects of these experiences.