Exploring Shame and Guilt in Psilocybin Experiences
Article Title: “Shame, Guilt and Psychedelic Experience: Results from a Prospective, Longitudinal Survey of Real-World Psilocybin Use”
Author: David S. Mathai, Daniel E. Roberts, Sandeep M. Nayak, Nathan D. Sepeda, Amy Lehrner, Matthew W. Johnson, Matthew X. Lowe, Heather Jackson & Albert Garcia-Romeu
Publication Date: Feb, 2025
DOI:
Background
Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, has gained significant attention for its potential in mental health treatment. While its therapeutic benefits are well-documented, less research has focused on challenging psychedelic experiences, particularly those involving shame and guilt. These self-conscious emotions are integral to mental health and may play a role in the long-term effects of psychedelic experiences. This study explores how psilocybin use influences feelings of shame and guilt, providing crucial insights into their impact on psychological well-being.
Study Overview
The study followed 679 adults planning to use psilocybin in naturalistic settings. Participants completed surveys at multiple time points: before, immediately after, and up to three months post-use. Researchers measured state and trait shame, guilt, and overall psychological health, aiming to:
Characterise acute shame and guilt during psilocybin experiences.
Assess their impact on long-term well-being.
Determine if psilocybin affects long-term shame levels.
Key Findings
High Occurrence of Shame and Guilt: 68.2% of participants reported experiencing shame or guilt during their psilocybin journey.
Predictors of Shame/Guilt: The only significant predictor was age, with younger individuals more likely to experience these emotions.
Impact on Well-Being: The intensity of shame and guilt did not predict long-term well-being, but the ability to work through these emotions constructively correlated with positive psychological outcomes.
Long-Term Effects on Shame: On average, psilocybin use led to a small but significant reduction in trait shame over two to three months. However, 29.8% of participants reported increased shame, highlighting individual variability.
Discussion
This research underscores the importance of recognising shame and guilt as common aspects of the psychedelic experience. Unlike previous assumptions that psychedelics primarily reduce self-focused attention, this study shows that they can also intensify self-conscious emotions. The findings suggest that the way individuals process these emotions is crucial—those who successfully navigated their feelings of shame and guilt reported improved well-being.
Implications
Practitioners facilitating psychedelic experiences should prepare participants for the possibility of encountering difficult emotions, ensuring that integration sessions focus on helping individuals process shame and guilt constructively. While these emotions can be challenging, they also present opportunities for deep self-reflection and transformation when managed in a supportive environment. Additionally, understanding why some individuals experience increased shame post-psilocybin use is crucial, necessitating further research into factors influencing these divergent responses.
Potential Application
This research supports the therapeutic potential of psilocybin for reducing entrenched shame, a key factor in disorders such as depression and PTSD. Professionals in psychedelic therapy can use these insights to refine session preparation and integration practices, ensuring that participants receive adequate support. Additionally, psychedelic retreats can incorporate structured guidance to help individuals navigate difficult emotional experiences effectively, fostering personal growth and psychological well-being.
Conclusions
This study provides groundbreaking insights into the relationship between psilocybin use and self-conscious emotions. While shame and guilt can be challenging aspects of the psychedelic experience, they also hold the potential for profound personal growth. Ensuring proper support and integration strategies will be key in harnessing psilocybin’s full therapeutic potential while minimising negative outcomes.
Reference:
David S. Mathai, Daniel E. Roberts, Sandeep M. Nayak, Nathan D. Sepeda, Amy Lehrner, Matthew W. Johnson, Matthew X. Lowe, Heather Jackson & Albert Garcia-Romeu (07 Feb 2025): Shame, Guilt and Psychedelic Experience: Results from a Prospective, Longitudinal Survey of Real-World Psilocybin Use, Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2025.2461997
