Intention-Setting Among Recreational Psychedelic Users: Associated Acute Effects and Changes in Well-Being

Area of Science:

• Psychopharmacology
• Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Limited research exists on the specific intentions set by psychedelic users.
• The effects of different intention types on user experiences and outcomes require further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a taxonomy of intentions in naturalistic psychedelic use.
• To examine the correlation between intention domains and acute effects, well-being changes, and effective intention-setting qualities.
• To investigate the impact of intention characteristics on psychedelic experiences.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, mixed-methods, cross-sectional study design.
• Analysis of intention types, user-reported experiences, and well-being outcomes.
• Examination of qualities for effective intention-setting.

Main Results:

• Common intentions include self-discovery, personal growth, healing, and mental health.
• Mental health, self-expansion, and physical health intentions correlate with profound subjective effects and improved well-being.
• Recreational intentions show no benefit for dysfunctional attitudes and negatively impact well-being.
• Specific, relevant, and integrated intentions are linked to improved well-being, while flexible intentions correlate with worse outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Specific, relevant, and integrated intentions focused on self-discovery and mental health appear most beneficial for psychedelic experiences.
• Intention-setting plays a crucial role in modulating psychedelic outcomes.
• Future research should explore the mechanisms underlying the effects of different intention types and qualities.