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Psychedelic Experiences Increase Mind Perception but do not Change Atheist-Believer Status: A Prospective
Sandeep M Nayak1, Sydney H White1, Samantha N Hilbert1
1Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs
|May 8, 2024
Summary
Psilocybin use increased mind perception but did not significantly alter metaphysical beliefs or Atheist-Believer status in a longitudinal study. These findings highlight the impact of psychedelic experiences on mentalization.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Religious Studies
Background:
- Previous research suggests psychedelic use correlates with altered beliefs, including mind perception, non-naturalistic beliefs, and Atheist-Believer status.
- Cross-sectional studies indicate potential shifts in these belief systems following psychedelic experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively investigate the impact of psilocybin experiences on mind perception, metaphysical beliefs, and Atheist-Believer status.
- To examine changes in belief systems in individuals planning a psilocybin experience outside a controlled laboratory setting.
Main Methods:
- Prospective longitudinal study design.
- Recruited 657 participants planning a psilocybin experience.
- Assessed beliefs regarding mind perception, metaphysical positions, and Atheist-Believer status before and after the psilocybin experience.
Main Results:
- Observed significant increases in mind perception for various entities (living and non-living).
- Found minimal to no changes in metaphysical beliefs (e.g., dualism).
- Reported little to no change in Atheist-Believer status.
Conclusions:
- Psilocybin experiences are associated with enhanced mind perception and mentalization.
- Findings contrast with some cross-sectional studies regarding changes in metaphysical beliefs and Atheist-Believer status.
- The study supports the role of psilocybin in altering mind perception, but not necessarily core religious or metaphysical stances.
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