This meta-analysis (s=5, n=158) of classic psychedelic effects on empathy using the Multifaceted Empathy Test (MET) finds significant enhancement of explicit and implicit emotional empathy, with no effect on cognitive empathy. The analysis covers studies up to November 2023 examining LSD, psilocybin, and ayahuasca.
Abstract of Effects of classical psychedelics on implicit and explicit emotional empathy and cognitive empathy
“This meta-analysis investigates the effect of classic psychedelic drugs on empathy and focuses on cognitive and emotional empathy measured using the Multifaceted Empathy Test (MET). Empathy entails the ability to understand and share the feelings of another and is a significant component of social interaction. Several studies have examined the effects of psychedelic drugs such as LSD, psilocybin and ayahuasca on empathy, yet their overall effect has not been studied so far. In this meta-analysis, we reviewed data from studies up to November 2023 with the aim of examining the effects of various psychedelic drugs on empathic abilities broadly. Our findings suggest that classical psychedelics significantly enhance explicit and implicit emotional empathy without affecting measures of cognitive empathy. The results emphasize the need to continue testing the therapeutic potential of classic psychedelic drugs.“
Authors: Amit Olami & Leehe Peled-Avron
Summary of Effects of classical psychedelics on implicit and explicit emotional empathy and cognitive empathy
The article presents a meta-analysis focused on the effects of classic psychedelics—such as LSD, psilocybin, and ayahuasca—on different types of empathy, particularly cognitive empathy and emotional empathy (both implicit and explicit). The study utilises the Multifaceted Empathy Test (MET) to investigate empathy changes following the administration of these substances. Empathy, essential for social interaction, is defined here as the ability to understand and emotionally respond to others’ perspectives, and it has two primary forms:
- Cognitive empathy (Theory of Mind), which involves understanding others’ thoughts and emotions.
- Emotional empathy, which includes both implicit (automatic emotional resonance) and explicit (conscious emotional understanding) responses.
The authors note growing interest in how psychedelics affect social cognition, specifically empathy. Previous studies have suggested that psychedelics may enhance emotional empathy but have not provided consistent evidence for cognitive empathy. LSD, psilocybin, and ayahuasca interact with the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor, with differing pharmacological effects that may influence empathy, potentially benefitting social interaction and mental health. However, prior to this study, no comprehensive meta-analysis had consolidated these findings, motivating the researchers to explore this gap using the MET as a consistent measure across studies.
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https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-74810-w
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Olami, A., & Peled-Avron, L. (2024). Effects of classical psychedelics on implicit and explicit emotional empathy and cognitive empathy: a meta-analysis of MET task. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 24480.
Study details
Compounds studied
LSD
Psilocybin
Ayahuasca
Topics studied
Healthy Subjects
Study characteristics
Meta-Analysis
Participants
158
Humans