Psychedelics and connectedness to natural and social worlds: An examination of the evidence and a proposed conceptual framework
Year: 2025
Type: review
Abstract: Recent research suggests that serotonergic psychedelics may simultaneously enhance connectedness to both social and natural worlds. This article synthesizes current evidence regarding psychedelics' effects on nature relatedness and social connectedness, examining underlying mechanisms through the framework of self-other overlap. Psychedelics appear to facilitate self-expansion through two complementary mechanisms: ego dissolution, which temporarily alters self-boundaries, and enhanced emotional processing, which increases empathic concern. While studies demonstrate promising effects, interpretation is complicated by methodological challenges including functional unblinding, reliance on self-reports, and small sample sizes. We propose a multidimensional model of connectedness that distinguishes between perceptual, emotional, and epistemic domains, each showing distinct patterns in acute and enduring effects. Future research would benefit from behavioral measures, active placebos, and careful consideration of contextual factors.
Source: Current Opinion in Psychology
Authors: Matthias Forstmann, Christina Sagioglou
Institutions: University of Zurich, Universität Innsbruck
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,260
OpenAlex ID: W4406410195