Reported effects of psychedelic use on those with low well-being given various emotional states and social contexts

This study, published in the 'Drug Science, Policy and Law: SAGE' journal investigates the role of "set" (personality, preparation, expectation, and intention of the person having the experience) and "setting" (the physical, social, and cultural environment in which the experience takes place) in the psychedelic experience of online respondents with both low and normal well-being.

Respondents were assessed under which emotional and environmental circumstances they used psychedelics, and the outcome of this use given clinical characteristics such as low well-being and higher rates of neuroticism.

Findings showed that "in most instances, psychedelics 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 LSD, 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."

This study concludes that future clinical studies involving individuals with lower psychological well-being and higher scores of neuroticism may report even more positive outcomes and highlights the need for further research into the set and setting in the psychedelic experience.

For more emerging research, visit the Psychedelic Health Professional Network website.