Being no one, being One: The role of ego-dissolution and connectedness in the therapeutic effects of psychedelic experience
Summary & key facts
Researchers reviewed 15 studies involving about 2,200 people to see how two kinds of psychedelic experiences — losing the sense of a separate self (called ego-dissolution) and feeling more connected to others and the world (called connectedness) — relate to therapeutic change. They found both experiences are linked to a greater chance of improvement after a psychedelic session. Ego-dissolution seems to spark psychological change but is usually short-lived. Connectedness can last longer and is tied to several positive, potentially healing feelings. The authors say these ideas could help shape how psychedelic therapy is prepared and followed up, but more work is needed to understand exactly ho
- The paper is a review that combined results from 15 different studies and about 2,200 people to look for common patterns.
- Both ego-dissolution (a temporary loss of the usual sense of self) and increased connectedness (feeling closer to other people or to life) were linked with a higher chance of getting better after a psychedelic experience.
- Ego-dissolution tends to trigger psychological change but usually does not last beyond the psychedelic experience itself.
- Connectedness often lasts longer after the experience and is tied to several positive feelings that might support healing.
- The authors suggest therapists might focus on preparing people for the possibility of ego-dissolution before a session, and on supporting connectedness afterward during integration.
- The review notes that the exact reasons why these experiences help are still unclear, and the findings point to the need for more theory-building and careful study before making strong clinical claims.
Abstract
Abstract Background and aims Despite promising findings indicating the therapeutic potential of psychedelic experience across a variety of domains, the mechanisms and factors affecting its efficacy remain unclear. The present paper explores this by focusing on two psychedelic states which have been suggested as therapeutically significant in past literature: ego-dissolution and connectedness. The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of ego-dissolution and connectedness on the therapeutic effects of the psychedelic experience. Methods The investigation was carried out as a mixed methods systematic review, with the data from four databases analysed thematically and results presented through narrative synthesis. Results The analysis and synthesis of findings from 15 unique studies ( n = 2,182) indicated that both ego-dissolution and connectedness are associated with a higher chance of improvement following a psychedelic experience. However, there seem to be differences in the way the two experiences affect individuals psychologically. Ego-dissolution appears to trigger psychological change but does not typically exceed the psychedelic experience in its duration, while connectedness can be more sustained and is associated with several positive, potentially therapeutic feelings. Conclusions Moreover, the findings of this review have implications for further theory-building about the mechanisms which enable therapeutic effects in psychedelic experience. This in turn might lead to improved models for psychedelic therapy practice. Emphasis on ego-dissolution during the preparation phase and on connectedness during integration is one suggestion presented here, alongside overarching implications for the mental health debate and general practice.