This prospective, longitudinal study (n=679) examined the effects of psilocybin use on emotional experiences, particularly feelings of shame and guilt. The study found that while most participants had positive experiences with psilocybin, acute feelings of shame or guilt were common (68%), and the ability to work through these feelings positively correlated with well-being in the weeks following use. On average, psilocybin resulted in a small but significant decrease in trait shame, which was maintained for 2-3 months after use, though in a minority of participants (30%), trait shame increased.
Published February 7, 2025
Journal Journal of Psychedelic Drugs
Authors Mathai, D. S., Roberts, D. E., Nayak, S. M., Sepeda, N. D., Lehrner, A., Johnson, M. W., Lowe, M. X., Jackson, H., Garcia-Romeu, A.