Psychedelic Agents in Creative Problem-Solving: A Pilot Study
This pilot study of 27 professionally employed men found that a single, carefully structured psychedelic session with LSD-25 or mescaline appeared to facilitate creative problem‑solving, especially during the “illumination” phase. Subjective reports, creativity tests and assessments of solution utility suggested that enhanced creative ability persisted for some participants for several weeks afterwards.
Authors
- Harman, W. W.
- McKim, R. H.
- Mogar, R. E.
Published
Abstract
Based on the frequently reported similarities between creative and psychedelic (drug-induced, consciousness-expansion) experiences, a preliminary study was conducted to explore the effects of psychedelic agents (LSD-25, mescaline) on creative problem-solving ability. Twenty-seven professionally employed males were given a single psychedelic experience in 1 of 7 small groups ( ns = 3 or 4) following extensive selection and preparatory procedures. This drug-induced problem-solving session was carefully structured with particular focus on establishing Ss' expectancies and a psychosocial milieu conducive to creative activity. Tentative findings based on tests of creativity, on subjective reports and self ratings, and on the utility of problem solutions suggested that, if given according to this carefully structured regimen, psychedelic agents seem to facilitate creative problem-solving, particularly in the “illumination phase.” The results also suggest that various degrees of increased creative ability may continue for at least some weeks subsequent to a psychedelic problem-solving session.
Research Summary of 'Psychedelic Agents in Creative Problem-Solving: A Pilot Study'
Introduction
Earlier research had noted phenomenological similarities between psychedelic states (produced by agents such as LSD-25, mescaline and psilocybin) and certain stages of the creative process, particularly the ‘‘illumination’’ or insight phase. The literature cited by the investigators argues that psychedelic experiences can reduce psychological defensiveness, increase tolerance for ambiguity, expand perceptual and associative span, and produce vivid imagery — attributes long linked to creativity. Against this theoretical backdrop, the investigators emphasise that the effects of these drugs are highly context-dependent: expectancies of the participant and experimenter, the psychosocial milieu of the session, and preparatory procedures (set and setting) strongly shape the ensuing experience and any task performance changes. Harman and colleagues designed a pilot study to explore three related empirical questions: (1) whether a single, carefully structured psychedelic session could enhance creative problem-solving and, if so, what objective and subjective evidence would support that enhancement; (2) whether problems worked on during such sessions would yield concrete, valid, and pragmatically useful solutions as judged by industrial or scientific criteria; and (3) whether any enhancement in creative functioning persisted after the acute drug effects. The investigators framed the psychedelic agent as one component of an intentionally organised procedure that also included selection, preparation, and a supportive session milieu rather than attempting to isolate purely pharmacological effects.
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Study Details
- Study Typeindividual
- Journal
- Compounds
- Topics
- APA Citation
Harman, W. W., McKim, R. H., Mogar, R. E., Fadiman, J., & Stolaroff, M. J. (1966). Psychedelic Agents in Creative Problem-Solving: A Pilot Study. Psychological Reports, 19(1), 211-227. https://doi.org/10.2466/pr0.1966.19.1.211
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