This exploratory study (n=155) investigates the relationship between changes in metaphysical beliefs and death anxiety following a significant psychedelic experience. It finds a significant overall reduction in death anxiety, with improvements correlated positively with increased belief in panpsychism, while no other metaphysical beliefs showed a correlation.
Abstract of Investigating the relationship between changes in metaphysical beliefs and death anxiety following a significant psychedelic experience
“Research examining the potential of the psychedelic experience to alter attitudes toward death is steadily emerging. However, the specific mechanisms leading to this change are not well understood. The present study investigated the potential relationship between changes in metaphysical beliefs and changes in death anxiety following a single significant psychedelic experience. A total of 155 participants completed a retrospective questionnaire that included questions about their acute experience and changes in death anxiety and metaphysical beliefs following a significant psychedelic experience. Although some participants reported an increase in death anxiety, there was an overall significant reduction in death anxiety from before to after the experience. Improvements in death anxiety were positively correlated with changes in belief in panpsychism, but no other measured metaphysical beliefs. The findings from this exploratory study provide direction for future research looking at the relationship between changes in metaphysical beliefs and death anxiety in the context of psychedelic experiences.”
Authors: Sam G. Moreton, Noah N. Barr & Kayla J. Giese
Summary of Investigating the relationship between changes in metaphysical beliefs and death anxiety following a significant psychedelic experience
A growing body of research has revealed the potential therapeutic utility of psychedelic drugs, and one psychological improvement often reported following psychedelic use is a reduction in death anxiety.
Death attitudes and death anxiety
The attitudes one holds toward death can vary significantly, and may be influenced by factors such as religion, culture, or personal experience. Death anxiety is a specific theoretical construct referring to apprehension or anxiety generated by the knowledge of one’s own mortality and the inevitability of death.
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https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2024.2352726
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Cite this paper (APA)
Moreton, S. G., Barr, N. N., & Giese, K. J. (2024). Investigating the relationship between changes in metaphysical beliefs and death anxiety following a significant psychedelic experience. Death Studies, 1-10.