Affiliation:
1. Faculty of Psychology, Universidad de la República Montevideo, Uruguay
2. Faculty of Humanities and Educational Sciences, Universidad de la República Montevideo, Uruguay
3. Faculty of Chemistry, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Ayahuasca's psychological and subjective effects were compared in rituals of two neoshamanic groups in Uruguay.
Aims
Compare, describe and analyze psychological effects and subjective experiences of ayahuasca ceremonies in two different groups: a psychospiritual holistic center, and a center specialized in substance use disorder's treatment.
Methods
A mixed qualitative-quantitative study was conducted, using the Hallucinogen Rating Scale for measuring psychological effects, and in-depth interviews for the description of ayahuasca subjective experiences. Data from both techniques were compared, analyzing convergences and differences.
Results
When comparing the two neoshamanic groups, significant differences with a medium-size effect were found in the psychological variables Affect (r = 0.47), Cognition (r = 0.36) and Perception (r = 0.36). The qualitative descriptions of ayahuasca experiences in the group with higher scores in those variables showed more frequent and complex experiences of emotional, cognitive, and perceptive content. Dissimilar results were found when comparing Intensity and Somaesthetic domains, with no significant results in the quantitative part, while in the qualitative part intensity was reported as “soft” in one group, and corporal experiences (e.g., purging effects) were especially manifested.
Conclusions
Stronger subjective experiences and higher psychological effects may be related to differences in the dosage and the setting of the centers. Emotional, cognitive, and perceptive psychological effects of ayahuasca rituals measured by the Hallucinogen Rating Scale, seem to be associated with more frequent and complex subjective experiences in the mentioned domains. Qualitative group differences in corporal alterations and the overall intensity of the experience differed from non-significant results of the quantitative part of the study.
Funder
Sectorial Commission for Scientific Research (Comisión Sectorial de Investigación Científica), Universidad de la República, Uruguay
Drug National Board of Uruguay Presidency
Interdisciplinary Faculty (Espacio Interdisciplinario), Universidad de la República
Subject
Pharmacology (medical),Biological Psychiatry,Psychiatry and Mental health,Clinical Psychology,Anthropology,Health (social science),Social Psychology
Reference50 articles.
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