This research paper aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of the newly emerging online approach to psychedelic ceremonies as well as explore the impact set and setting have on the experience....Show moreThis research paper aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of the newly emerging online approach to psychedelic ceremonies as well as explore the impact set and setting have on the experience. Previous research has demonstrated and explored the benefits of psychedelics and their impact on mental health. Nonetheless, no study has yet investigated the potential benefits of psychedelics in an online setting. Therefore, this study recorded the experiences of average people who participated in Spinoza’s online psychedelic ceremonies by means of a voluntary questionnaire. Results showed a significant increase in mental health, compared to baseline, for almost all participants. Additionally, individual differences and setting seemingly had no significant impact on the trip experience. This study provides an insight into the potential experiences of virtual psychedelic ceremonies, contributing to the growing research within the field of psychedelics.Show less
The practice of microdosing (taking small amounts of psychedelics) has been found to affect neurochemistry without causing hallucinogenic effects. This allows for daily use that can enhance...Show moreThe practice of microdosing (taking small amounts of psychedelics) has been found to affect neurochemistry without causing hallucinogenic effects. This allows for daily use that can enhance cognition, mood, and overall wellness without negatively impacting normal cognitive function. It has been proposed that microdosing may also positively impact health behaviours such as improving dietary habits, increasing exercise frequency or quitting smoking. In this cross-sectional exploratory study, we sought to identify the health behaviours that were most commonly reported as changing after microdosing. Additionally, we aimed to uncover the underlying mechanisms driving these changes and examine the influence of set and setting on the outcomes. 365 individuals who engage in adult microdosing completed an online survey questionnaire to share their personal experiences with the practice. Additionally, 21 microdosing coaching practitioners were asked to complete a similar questionnaire. The two most frequently reported changes in health behaviours by both the users and practitioners were sleep and contemplative/mindfulness practices. Emotion regulation, psychological flexibility, and resilience were the three most often reported psychological mechanisms underlying the health behaviour changes. Moreover, the environment and mentality during psychedelic experiences impacted the outcome. The study found that incorporating other behavioural strategies alongside microdosing and practicing mindfulness had a significant correlation with improved health behaviours. Further research is needed to provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that underlie health behaviour change and what the exact relationship these psychological factors have with the health behaviours.Show less
Scientific research in the past years progressively examined the effects of microdosing psychedelics on mental health and cognition. However, the effects of microdosing on health behavior change ...Show moreScientific research in the past years progressively examined the effects of microdosing psychedelics on mental health and cognition. However, the effects of microdosing on health behavior change (HBC) remain understudied. This study provides the first exploration of a potential impact of microdosing on HBC, including its psychological mechanisms and possible mediators. The study was composed of two retrospective questionnaires. A total of N = 365 participants reported on their own microdosing experiences in the first questionnaire. Most respondents reported a link between microdosing and HBC, with effects being strongest for sleep, physical activity, and mindfulness practices. Moreover, we examined the impact of three potentially mediating or moderating variables: Prior full-dose psychedelic experience, applying another strategy of HBC, and gender. Results of the first two variables differed on specific HBC-variables. Gender did not impact the effect of microdosing on HBC. Psychologically, mental health and well-being, psychological flexibility, and self-efficacy were most frequently reported as mechanisms of HBC. In the second questionnaire, N = 10 practitioners reported on their observations on clients’ HBC associated with microdosing. Reported effects were mostly in agreement with reports provided by microdosers. Practitioners reported health as an identity, psychological flexibility, and integrated emotion most frequently as psychological mechanisms. Overall, the data obtained through both questionnaires is consistent with prior research on psychedelics and microdosing. Given the novelty of the demonstrated link between microdosing and HBC, more research with different study designs is recommended to support our findings in double-blind, longitudinal contexts.Show less
In recent years, research on psychedelic usage in a ceremonial context has been growing. A new form of online psychedelic ceremonies has recently emerged, but it has not yet been thoroughly studied...Show moreIn recent years, research on psychedelic usage in a ceremonial context has been growing. A new form of online psychedelic ceremonies has recently emerged, but it has not yet been thoroughly studied. During online ceremonies, participants access the session from the safety of their own homes and have no facilitators present. This paper scrutinizes the effectiveness of the online ceremony as well as the positive and negative aspects of the digital format. This study analyzes qualitative data gathered from participants of the Spinoza online psychedelic ceremony to describe their experiences and the short- term health effects. Most participants found the online ceremony to be enjoyable and appreciated the convenience of the format. However, some faced technical difficulties which caused negative experiences. Overall, the accessibility of the online format was a significant advantage. Participants also reported experiencing positive changes in their well-being post-ceremony. Yet, some stated feeling no change in their mental or physical well-being after completion of the ceremony. Online psychedelic ceremonies show to be a promising format that can reach and include diverse populations from all over the world and warrants further research into its effectiveness, practice, and ethical aspects.Show less
