The role of mindfulness and absorption in psychedelic experiences

Presentation of a research paper on synergies between mindfulness and meditation experience, psychedelic experiences and their effects

Abstract

Current findings from psychedelic-assisted therapy research could reform our understanding of modern psychotherapy. It therefore seems all the more important to better understand the mechanisms underlying psychedelic experiences in order to be able to exploit the potential of these approaches, while at the same time accounting for risks. Established mechanisms include the phenomenon of Peak Experience, while more recent studies emphasize the importance of Psychological Insight during psychedelic experiences. According to current assumptions, Mindfulness Practice and its associated skills, Mindfulness and Absorption, could also have a synergistic influence on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. The aim of this research work was therefore to gain an understanding of assumed mechanisms and to integrate current, yet barely verified assumptions into a model of interaction. In a retrospective online survey, 209 subjects were questioned about their most recent psychedelic experience and the resulting lasting changes. Mindfulness Practice prior to the experience in question as well as Mindfulness and Absorption were also surveyed. The results suggest that, in addition to Peak Experience, Psychological Insight during the psychedelic experience is a significant predictor of Persisting Positive and Negative Changes, thus providing important insights into the mechanisms of psychedelic interventions. Absorption appears to enable deeper immersion, thus increasing the positive potential of the psychedelic experience, whilst also representing a risk factor for Persisting Negative Changes. Mindfulness reduces Persisting Negative Changes; these relationships are partly explained by a reduced risk for the Occurrence of Challenging Experiences.