This online survey (n=1967) examines the set and setting of psychedelic use and its outcomes concerning users’ well-being and personality traits. It finds that individuals with low well-being and higher neuroticism scores are more likely to experience positive mood changes after using LSD, psilocybin, or MDMA. However, they also report a higher likelihood of adverse side effects.
Abstract of Reported effects of psychedelic use on those with low well-being given various emotional contexts
“Background It has been suggested that the outcome of the psychedelic experience is dependent on set and setting. While scientific research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics is growing, it is clear that in clinical populations an optimal set and setting will not always be attainable. It was aimed to assess under which emotional and environmental circumstances psychedelic users use psychedelics, and the outcome of use given clinical characteristics, defined as low well-being and higher rates of neuroticism.
Methods Online respondents (N = 1967) provided information about their psychedelic use, environment they consume the substance in (setting), and mood state pre/post-substance (set). Based on subjective mental well-being, respondents were separated into two groups, those with low (N = 643), and those with normal well-being (N = 1324). Personality traits, with a particular focus on neuroticism, were also assessed.
Results Findings showed that psychedelics such as lysergic acid diethylamide and psilocybin were most commonly used at home and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in a party/festival setting. In most instances, all substances were used when individuals were in a positive mood, and this remained in general positive, or, when not initially positive, shifted to positive, after use. Individuals with low well-being were more likely to experience a positive mood change after use of lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin or MDMA than individuals with normal well-being. Furthermore, as neuroticism scores increased, so did likelihood of positive mood change, as well as likelihood of experiencing negative side effects.
Conclusion It is demonstrated that psychedelics are used in varying emotional states and environmental settings. Importantly in the light of future clinical studies with patients, individuals with low psychological well-being and higher scores of neuroticism report consuming such substances with positive outcomes.”
Authors: Natasha L. Mason, Patrick C. Dolder & Kim P. C. Kuypers
Summary of Reported effects of psychedelic use on those with low well-being given various emotional contexts
The introduction of this study highlights the renewed interest in using psychedelic substances for treating psychiatric conditions. The researchers note that non-pharmacological factors, known as “set and setting”, play a crucial role in mediating the long-term therapeutic effects of these substances. Set refers to the internal state of the individual taking the substance, including mood, expectations, and pre-existing psychological factors. Setting refers to the physical and social environment in which the substance is taken.
The authors point out that while scientific research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics is growing, it is clear that in clinical populations, an optimal set and setting will not always be achievable. This study aimed to assess under which emotional and environmental circumstances psychedelic users consume these substances, and the outcome of use given clinical characteristics, defined as low well-being and higher rates of neuroticism.
Methods
Design
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Reported effects of psychedelic use on those with low well-being given various emotional contexts
https://doi.org/10.1177/2050324519900068
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Cite this paper (APA)
Mason, N. L., Dolder, P. C., & Kuypers, K. P. (2020). Reported effects of psychedelic use on those with low well-being given various emotional states and social contexts. Drug Science, Policy and Law, 6, 2050324519900068.
Study details
Compounds studied
LSD
Psilocybin
MDMA
Topics studied
Personality
Study characteristics
Survey
Participants
1967
Humans