Loving Kindness

Psychedelic Drug Use and Meditation Practices are Positively Associated

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New study links mindfulness meditation and psychedelic use to positive leadership outcomes at work

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Associations between psychedelic-related and meditation-related variables: A longitudinal study” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11999004/ ) Simonsson and colleagues examined the relationships between the use of psychedelic drugs and mindfulness and meditation practices. They found that psychedelic use was associated with greater mindfulness and loving-kindness or compassion meditation practice and mindfulness was associated with less severe challenging psychedelic experiences.

 

Psychedelic drug use and meditation practices are positively associated.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Simonsson O, Chaturvedi S, Hendricks PS, Stenfors CUD, Osika W, Narayanan J, Palitsky R, Goldberg SB. Associations between psychedelic-related and meditation-related variables: A longitudinal study. J Psychiatr Res. 2025 Apr;184:457-463. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2025.03.025. Epub 2025 Mar 17. PMID: 40133019; PMCID: PMC11999004.

 

Abstract

Previous research has investigated associations between psychedelic experiences and meditation practice, but knowledge gaps remain. Using a longitudinal research design with a sample of US residents between 18 and 50 years old (N = 13,012), we investigated associations between psychedelic-related and meditation-related variables. The follow-up survey was completed by 7484 respondents, of whom 336 reported psychedelic use during the two-month study. In covariate-adjusted regression models, psychedelic use was associated with greater increases in the number of days of mindfulness and loving-kindness or compassion meditation practice in the past week, especially among those with no prior experience of psychedelics or meditation. Among those who reported psychedelic use, trait mindfulness and trait self-compassion at baseline were associated with less severe challenging psychedelic experiences, as well as lower odds of psychedelic-occasioned thoughts or attempts of self- or other-harm. However, among those who practiced meditation at baseline, psychedelic use was associated with greater increases in past-week frequency of loving-kindness or compassion meditation-related difficulties and impairments. Future research is warranted.

 

Psychedelic Use and Meditation Complement Each Other’s Impacts

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Does the combination of psychedelics and meditation enhance mystical experiences?

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Associations between psychedelic-related and meditation-related variables: A longitudinal study” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11999004/ )  Simonsson and colleagues examined the relationships between meditation and psychedelic use. They found that psychedelic use was associated with mindfulness and loving-kindness or compassion meditation practice while mindfulness was associated with less severe challenging psychedelic experiences, fewer psychedelic-occasioned thoughts or attempts of self- or other-harm.

 

Meditation and psychedelic use complement the impact of each.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Simonsson O, Chaturvedi S, Hendricks PS, et al. Associations between psychedelic-related and meditation-related variables: A longitudinal study. J Psychiatr Res. 2025;184:457-463. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2025.03.025

 

Abstract

Previous research has investigated associations between psychedelic experiences and meditation practice, but knowledge gaps remain. Using a longitudinal research design with a sample of US residents between 18 and 50 years old (N = 13,012), we investigated associations between psychedelic-related and meditation-related variables. The follow-up survey was completed by 7484 respondents, of whom 336 reported psychedelic use during the two-month study. In covariate-adjusted regression models, psychedelic use was associated with greater increases in the number of days of mindfulness and loving-kindness or compassion meditation practice in the past week, especially among those with no prior experience of psychedelics or meditation. Among those who reported psychedelic use, trait mindfulness and trait self-compassion at baseline were associated with less severe challenging psychedelic experiences, as well as lower odds of psychedelic-occasioned thoughts or attempts of self- or other-harm. However, among those who practiced meditation at baseline, psychedelic use was associated with greater increases in past-week frequency of loving-kindness or compassion meditation-related difficulties and impairments. Future research is warranted.

 

Change the Brain to Improve Personal Qualities with Loving Kindness Meditation

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Loving-Kindness Meditation – Teacher-Life-Coach

By John M. de Castro, Ph.D.

 

In today’s Research News article “Loving-Kindness Meditation: Systematic Review of Neuroimaging Correlates in Long-Term Practitioners and Clinical Implications.” (See summary below or view the full text of the study at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11870839/ ) Bashir and colleagues review and summarize the published research studies on changes in the brain resulting from long-term practice of Loving Kindness Meditation (LKM). They report that the brains of LKM practitioners have changes in the superior parietal lobe, inferior frontal gyrus, medial frontal lobe, and insular cortex. These areas are associated with self‐compassion, cognitive and affective empathy, and prosociality.

 

Long-term Loving Kindness Meditation changes brain structures responsible for the personal qualities produced by the practice.

 

CMCS – Center for Mindfulness and Contemplative Studies

 

This and other Contemplative Studies posts are also available on the Contemplative Studies Blog  http://contemplative-studies.org

 

Study Summary

 

Bashir K, Edstrom SB, Barlow SJ, Gainer D, Lewis JD. Loving-Kindness Meditation: Systematic Review of Neuroimaging Correlates in Long-Term Practitioners and Clinical Implications. Brain Behav. 2025 Mar;15(3):e70372. doi: 10.1002/brb3.70372. PMID: 40022190; PMCID: PMC11870839.

 

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Loving‐kindness meditation (LKM), a meditation type focused on nurturing love and compassion for oneself and others, has been shown to provide mental health benefits, and LKM interventions are being investigated for mental disorders. The benefits of long‐term practice, such as increased self‐compassion, greater cognitive and affective empathy, and prosocial behavior, are proposed to be due to neuroplastic changes that support well‐being. This systematic review aims to summarize the differences in brain structure and function in long‐term practitioners (LTPs) of LKM versus controls to identify possible underlying mechanisms that support mental health and drive treatment effect.

Methods

The literature search included Google Scholar, PubMed, and APA PsycINFO from inception through November 13, 2023.

Results

After review, five studies (64 LTPs and 67 controls total) were included. Brain regions with between‐group differences reported in at least two studies include the superior parietal lobe, inferior frontal gyrus, medial frontal lobe, and insular cortex.

Conclusion

These areas are responsible for self‐compassion, cognitive and affective empathy, and prosociality—personal qualities believed to be fostered through LKM practice. Longitudinal neuroimaging and neurophysiological studies incorporating LKM interventions for specific mental disorders are needed to further inform the biological basis of these treatments and may provide surrogate outcome measures for future clinical trials to refine this promising treatment modality.