A Qualitative Study of Intention and Impact of Ayahuasca Use by Westerners

Bibliographic Data

ID9057874
AuthorsGeoff J Bathje (0000-0002-5053-0910, Adler University, Chicago, IL, USA, corresponding author), Jonathan Fenton (Harford Crisis Response, Harford County, MD, USA), Daniel Pillersdorf (0009-0007-3636-7073, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada), London C Hill (Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA)
Year2024
Volume64
Issue4
Pages653-691
Publication date2024-07-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Humanistic Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0022-1678 • E-ISSN: 1552-650X
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00221678211008331
OpenAlexW3159853265
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited38

Ayahuasca has gained the attention of researchers over the past decade as psychedelic-assisted therapy for MDMA and psilocybin have progressed through FDA approved clinical trials. In spite of the increase in research, there are relatively few clinical studies of ayahuasca and little qualitative research on the therapeutic or healing uses of psychedelics in general. The present study included 41 Western participants who were interviewed about their participation in facilitated group ayahuasca experiences (e.g., in shamanic, neoshamanic, spiritual, and religious settings). Participants were interviewed about their intentions for participating, along with the perceived impact of the experiences. In particular, we focused on impacts that participants perceived to be sustained and enduring. We identified an impressive range of beneficial impacts, including improvements in areas that are often a focus of psychotherapy, such as mental health and substance use, health behaviors, interpersonal relationships, sense of self, attitude. Extratherapeutic effects were also observed in areas such as changes in creativity, somatic sensations, physical health/pain, sense of connection to nature, spirituality, and concern for the greater good. Two participants also reported problematic experiences, apparently related to set and setting. Implications for research and practice, along with a humanistic framework for interpreting these findings is provided

Alternative medicine · Ayahuasca · Focus group · Hallucinogen · Mental health · Psilocybin · Psychiatry · Psychotherapist · Qualitative research · Spirituality · Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques · Chemical synthesis and alkaloids · Clinical Psychology · Medicine · Psychedelics and Drug Studies · Psychology

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