Psychological variables implied in the therapeutic effect of ayahuasca: A contextual approach
Bouso, J. C., Franquesa, A., Gandy, S., Sainz-Cort, A., Soler, J.
This retrospective survey study (n=122) compared non-ayahuasca users with ayahuasca users in Decentering, Values, and Public control of the experience of self, and found that although participants who had taken ayahuasca on more than 15 occasions scored higher on Decentering than all other participants, there was no direct correlation between the number of ayahuasca sessions and any of the psychological variables.
Abstract
Introduction: Ayahuasca is a psychedelic decoction originating from Amazonia. The ayahuasca-induced introspective experience has been shown to have potential benefits in the treatment of several pathologies, to protect mental health and improve neuropsychological functions and creativity, and boost mindfulness. The underlying psychological processes related to the use of ayahuasca in a psychotherapeutic context are not yet well described in the scientific literature, but there is some evidence to suggest that psychological variables described in psychotherapies could be useful in explaining the therapeutic effects of the brew.Methods: In this study we explore the link between ayahuasca use and Decentering, Values and Self, comparing subjects without experience of ayahuasca (n = 41) with subjects with experience (n = 81). Results confirm that ayahuasca users scored higher than non-users in Decentering and Positive self, but not in Valued living, Life fulfilment, Self in social relations, Self in close relations and General self. Scores in Decentering were higher in the more experienced subjects (more than 15 occasions) than in those with less experience (less than 15 occasions).Discussion: Our results show that psychological process variables may explain the outcomes in ayahuasca psychotherapy. The introduction of these variables is warranted in future ayahuasca therapeutic studies.