Perceived Impact of Psychedelics on Sexual, Gender, and Intimate Relationship Dynamics: A Mixed-Methods Investigation

A survey of 581 participants found that most (70.2%) reported psychedelic experiences affected their sexuality or sexual experiences, with 65.4% noting short-term effects and 52.8% reporting long-term effects. Psychedelic experiences were more often associated with enhanced relationship quality, attraction to partners, and sexual activities than with diminished ones. About 10% reported influences on gender identity or expression, citing increased authenticity and openness. One-quarter of women and one-eighth of men reported heightened same-sex attraction after use. More participants reported being polyamorous or in open relationships after psychedelic experiences than before. Effects were linked to larger doses, more frequent use, younger age, and identifying as a woman or gender diverse.

Study at a glance

Abstract

= 581). Most participants (70.2%) reported perceived impacts of psychedelic experiences on their sexuality and/or sexual experiences, with 65.4% noting short-term effects during psychedelic experiences and 52.8% reporting long-term effects, although no individual effect was endorsed by most participants. A higher proportion of participants indicated that psychedelic experiences enhanced, rather than diminished, relationship quality, attraction to current partners, and sexual activities. Approximately 10% of participants reported that psychedelic experiences influenced their gender identity and/or expression, reporting increased authenticity, self-acceptance, openness, and freedom in self-expression, as well as altered experiences of sexuality and gender. One-quarter of women and one-eighth of men reported heightened same-sex attraction following psychedelic use, and one-third of those with other gender identities reported changes in sexual attraction. Higher proportions of participants reported dating multiple people, being polyamorous or in an open relationship, or being committed to only one person after their psychedelic experiences compared to before. Regression models identified various perceived effects associated with using large psychedelic doses, more frequent psychedelic use, lower household income, identifying as gender diverse, and especially younger age and identifying as women. Psychedelics may facilitate these changes via self-insight, greater connectedness with others, and increases in self-compassion, though further research is needed.