Positive Adult Development Attributed to Classic Psychedelic use during Emerging Adulthood

Men who used classic psychedelics during emerging adulthood (ages 18–29) and later reflected on those experiences reported six categories of positive developmental impact: increased psychological reflection and insight, life changes, recovery from mental health problems and addictions, improved relationships with others, greater existential awareness, and increased wellbeing and connection with emotions. The findings suggest that for some men, psychedelic experiences are interpreted as important life events that intersect with identity development, responsibility, and engagement with developmentally salient tasks. The study highlights the value of developmental perspectives in psychedelic research and points to the need for longitudinal research.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Background: Emerging adults between 18 and 29, particularly males, are the predominant naturalistic consumers of classic psychedelic substances compared to all other demographics. Previous evidence suggests psychedelic use may interact with positive developmental outcomes and processes. Despite the high prevalence of psychedelic use by emerging adults, limited previous research has qualitatively investigated perceived positive developmental outcomes and interpretative processes within this population specifically. Methods: Data were collected through an online survey with open-ended questions from Australian males (N = 97, M = 33.5 years, range 30-36 years) who self-reported positive impacts from their classic psychedelic use during emerging adulthood (ages 18 to 29 years) but were no longer in this developmental period at the time of the study. The data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Six themes were identified that characterised participants' retrospective perceived accounts of positive developmental impacts associated with psychedelic use during emerging adulthood: 1) increased psychological reflection and insight; 2) life changes ; 3) recovery from mental health problems and addictions; 4) improved relationships with others; 5) greater existential awareness; 6) increased wellbeing and connection with emotions. Conclusion: This study positions retrospectively reported positive developmental outcomes of naturalistic psychedelic use within a developmental framework of emerging adulthood. The findings suggest that, for some men, psychedelic experiences are interpreted as important life events that intersect with identity development, responsibility, and engagement with developmentally salient tasks. The study highlights the value of developmental perspectives in psychedelic research and points to the need for longitudinal research.