What is it about?
In this study, we looked at how people’s close relationships—especially early ones with caregivers—might affect how they experience psychedelic substances like psilocybin or LSD. We focused on attachment security, which is a way of describing how safe and connected people tend to feel in close relationships. People who had more secure and trusting relationships growing up were more likely to have positive and meaningful psychedelic experiences. These included feelings of connection, insight, and emotional healing. On the other hand, people who had less secure or more difficult attachment histories were more likely to report challenging or confusing experiences. The study suggests that our emotional history—especially how safe we’ve felt with others—can shape how we respond to psychedelics. This could be important for therapists and researchers to keep in mind when using psychedelics in treatment settings, especially since these substances can bring up powerful emotions and memories.
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Why is it important?
It’s important because this research helps us understand why people respond so differently to psychedelics—some have life-changing insights, while others may struggle with emotional distress during the experience. By showing that early relationship patterns (our "attachment history") can shape these outcomes, the study highlights a crucial psychological factor that may affect how safe and beneficial a psychedelic experience is. This matters especially for psychedelic therapy, which is gaining attention as a treatment for mental health issues. Therapists and researchers can use this knowledge to: • Better prepare people for psychedelic experiences based on their emotional background • Offer more personalized support during and after the session • Identify those who may be at greater risk for difficult experiences • Use attachment-informed approaches to enhance the healing potential of psychedelics In short, understanding the link between past relationships and psychedelic experiences can help make these treatments safer, more effective, and more tailored to each person’s needs.
Perspectives
This article demonstrates how our past shapes not just who we are—but how we experience the world, even in altered states. The idea that our attachment history, the way we’ve learned to feel safe (or not) in relationships, can carry over into something as profound as a psychedelic journey feels deeply intuitive—but also profound in its implications. It made me think about how psychedelics don’t just create new experiences—they may suggest something about the way people have been experiencing the world for some time. If someone grew up feeling safe and supported, that inner sense of trust might open the door to feelings of wonder, connection, and healing during a trip. But for others who may have experienced inconsistent or painful relationships, the same substances could stir up fear, loneliness, or confusion. Psychedelics don’t work in a vacuum—we experience them as we are, emotionally and psychologically. For therapists and guides, it underscores the importance of knowing the person, not just the protocol. And for those considering psychedelic therapy, it gently invites a deeper question: What am I bringing into this experience—not just in terms of hopes, but of history?
Aaron Cherniak
Stockholm University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Perceived attachment history predicts psychedelic experiences: A naturalistic study, Journal of Psychedelic Studies, April 2024, Akademiai Kiado,
DOI: 10.1556/2054.2024.00330.
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