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The Associations of Naturalistic Classic Psychedelic Use, Mystical Experience, and Creative Problem Solving

Posted on January 24, 2020January 24, 2020 by Research

Noah W. Sweat , B.S.,Larry W. Bates , Ph.D. &Peter S. Hendricks , Ph.D.Pages 344-350 | Received 25 May 2016, Accepted 08 Aug 2016, Published online: 08 Oct 2016

No

ABSTRACT

Developing methods for improving creativity is of broad interest. Classic psychedelics may enhance creativity; however, the underlying mechanisms of action are unknown. This study was designed to assess whether a relationship exists between naturalistic classic psychedelic use and heightened creative problem-solving ability and if so, whether this is mediated by lifetime mystical experience. Participants (N = 68) completed a survey battery assessing lifetime mystical experience and circumstances surrounding the most memorable experience. They were then administered a functional fixedness task in which faster completion times indicate greater creative problem-solving ability. Participants reporting classic psychedelic use concurrent with mystical experience (n = 11) exhibited significantly faster times on the functional fixedness task (Cohen’s d = –.87; large effect) and significantly greater lifetime mystical experience (Cohen’s d = .93; large effect) than participants not reporting classic psychedelic use concurrent with mystical experience. However, lifetime mystical experience was unrelated to completion times on the functional fixedness task (standardized β = –.06), and was therefore not a significant mediator. Classic psychedelic use may increase creativity independent of its effects on mystical experience. Maximizing the likelihood of mystical experience may need not be a goal of psychedelic interventions designed to boost creativity.

KEYWORDS: Creativity, hallucinogen, mystical experience, problem solving, psilocybin, psychedelic

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The Microdose Journal provides scientific studies and articles relating to the phenomenon of microdosing for the improvement of mental health.  It is also a resource for major study centers, conferences, and therapy centers that utilize psychedelics.

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