Psychedelic Use and Mystical-Type Experiences are Associated With Greater Self-Compassion, Compassionate Love, and Life Satisfaction

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Emerging evidence suggests psychedelic-assisted therapies ameliorate symptoms of psychopathology. However, less is known about how psychedelics influence positive psychological functioning (e.g., compassionate love, self-compassion, and life satisfaction). These constructs may be relevant in understanding how psychedelics exert their therapeutic effects, as they are central to both intra- and interpersonal well-being, and may function as protective factors against psychopathology. In a cross-sectional sample ( N = 984), we compared psychedelic-naive individuals ( n = 169) to former ( n = 178) and current ( n = 637) psychedelic users on compassionate love, self-compassion, life satisfaction, and lifetime mystical-type experiences (MTEs). After controlling for confounding variables, current and former users reported significantly greater compassionate love, self-compassion, life satisfaction, and lifetime MTEs than psychedelic-naive individuals. Relative to former users, current psychedelic users reported significantly greater self-compassion, life satisfaction, and lifetime MTEs, but not compassionate love. Across all groups, lifetime MTEs were positively associated with positive psychological functioning, suggesting that relationships between MTEs and psychological functioning may not be restricted to psychedelic use. Although limited by self-reporting biases, a cross-sectional design, and a homogenous sample, our findings suggest psychedelic use and MTEs are associated with positive psychological functioning, warranting further examination of these psychological constructs in clinical trials.