Psychedelic Use Covaries with Psychological Flexibility Through Mystical Experiences: Results of a Retrospective Web Survey.

Abstract

The therapeutic effects of psychedelic-assisted treatments covary with acute mystical experiences as well as enhancements in psychological flexibility. Psychological flexibility, a key construct in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), has broad benefits for adaptive functioning and well-being, making it a vital focus of psychedelic-assisted therapy. More than 200 participants (54.9% female, 70% Caucasian, 72% with a college degree) completed the Mystical Experiences Questionnaire (MEQ-30) addressing their most profound mystical experience as well as the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Index (MPFI) and their psychedelic use. Analyses revealed that psychedelic use had an indirect effect on psychological flexibility through mystical experiences, underscoring the potential role of mystical experiences in fostering psychological growth. Participants who had used a psychedelic reported significantly higher scores on the MEQ-30 and MPFI compared to those with only non-drug mystical experiences. The flipped model did not achieve statistical significance. These findings suggest that mystical experiences might act as a catalyst for increases in psychological flexibility, and they underscore the need for further research on the mechanisms linking mystical experiences and psychological flexibility, particularly in clinical contexts. Psychedelic-assisted therapy, informed by frameworks like ACT, shows promise for enhancing psychological flexibility and fostering long-term mental health improvements. Preparatory and integration sessions that emphasize flexibility may improve treatment outcomes.