Leiden University Student Repository

Ferrante, Agnese (2025)

Beyond Doctrine: A Mixed-Method Case Study of Christian Clergy Members’ Experiences During a Legal Psilocybin Retreat in the Netherlands

Research master thesis | Psychology (research) (MSc)

This case study followed a group of Christian religious leaders who traveled to the Netherlands for a psilocybin retreat. Employing a mixed-methods design, the changes in beliefs and attitudes of these leaders were documented and analyzed. Quantitative data was collected pre- and post-retreat through the Tellegen Absorption Scale (TAS), the Altered States of Consciousness Questionnaire (11-ASC), and the Metaphysical Beliefs Questionnaire (MBQ). The questionnaire also included open-ended questions and further qualitative was gathered through a 3-month follow-up interview. Despite previous research indicating correlations between the use of psilocybin and absorption traits and shifts in metaphysical beliefs, our quantitative results showed no statistically significant associations between these variables after adjusting for multiple comparisons. The qualitative analysis, derived from semi-structured interviews, revealed two central themes: (1) the direct interaction of psilocybin with...Show moreThis case study followed a group of Christian religious leaders who traveled to the Netherlands for a psilocybin retreat. Employing a mixed-methods design, the changes in beliefs and attitudes of these leaders were documented and analyzed. Quantitative data was collected pre- and post-retreat through the Tellegen Absorption Scale (TAS), the Altered States of Consciousness Questionnaire (11-ASC), and the Metaphysical Beliefs Questionnaire (MBQ). The questionnaire also included open-ended questions and further qualitative was gathered through a 3-month follow-up interview. Despite previous research indicating correlations between the use of psilocybin and absorption traits and shifts in metaphysical beliefs, our quantitative results showed no statistically significant associations between these variables after adjusting for multiple comparisons. The qualitative analysis, derived from semi-structured interviews, revealed two central themes: (1) the direct interaction of psilocybin with ceremonial elements amplifies pre-existing beliefs and challenges prior perceptions of the divine, and (2) psilocybin as a catalyst for spiritual reflection and growth in integration. Participants’ reflections highlighted the retreats’ unique context, including its nature-based setting, facilitators from diverse faith traditions, and the ability to talk to individuals with similar language. These factors, combined with psilocybin's effects, catalyzed profound introspection, enabling participants to reassess personal and institutional beliefs critically, and showed a shift toward a deeper connection to nature and a more flexible understanding of the divine. The findings add to the growing body of literature, showcasing psilocybin’s potential as a tool for spiritual exploration. Limitations, such as the study's non-representative sample and reliance on self-reported data, suggest caution in generalizing findings. Future research should explore psilocybin's long-term effects on spiritual practices and its application across diverse religious frameworks. The study underscores psilocybin’s capacity to amplify introspection and spiritual transformation, offering insights into its role within structured theological contexts.Show less

Author

Ferrante, Agnese

Faculty

Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences

Supervisors

Marschall, J.C.
Elk, M. van

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en