Mystical and Ego-Dissolution Experiences in Ayahuasca and Jurema Holistic Rituals: An Exploratory Study

Savoldi, Robson; Roazzi, Antônio; Sales, Rita Clara de Oliveira

doi:10.1080/10508619.2023.2185369

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 86 publications

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“… Uthaug et al (2019) reported that participants with higher ego dissolution scores following a single inhalation of DMT scored lower on measures of depression and stress. Three other studies that used DMT found elevated rates of ego dissolution post-session ( Uthaug et al, 2020a , b ; Savoldi et al, 2023 ). However, Uthaug et al (2021) found no differences between the experimental and placebo group (i.e., inert pill or brew) on total EDI scores.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 94%

Cross-validation of the ego dissolution scale: implications for studying psychedelics

Lynn,

McDonald,

Sleight

et al. 2023

Front. Neurosci.

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IntroductionEgo dissolution, variously called Ego-Loss, self-loss, and ego disintegration, is a hallmark of psychedelic drug use. We cross-validated the 10-item Ego Dissolution Scale, which we developed to assess ego dissolution in everyday life, and we included comparator variables that expanded our original assessment of construct validity.MethodsUndergraduate college student volunteers (N = 527) completed the measures online.ResultsWe replicated the original two factor structure (i.e., subfactors: Ego-Loss and Unity/connectedness with others, the world, universe), and we determined that the total score (Cronbach’s α = 0.79) and subfactors (Ego-Loss = 78; Unity = 0.83) possessed adequate-to-good reliability and strong convergent validity (e.g., mindfulness, hallucination-predisposition, sleep variables, personality variables, positive/negative affect transliminality, dissociation/depersonalization), while neuroticism, social desirability did not correlate highly with ego dissolution. We identified distinct patterns of relations of measures associated with the Ego-Loss vs. Unity subfactors.DiscussionWe discuss the implications of the use of the EDS for studying everyday aspects of ego dissolution, the long-term effects of psychedelic use, and the value of using the scale in conjunction with measures of the acute effects of psychedelics.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 94%

Cross-validation of the ego dissolution scale: implications for studying psychedelics

Lynn,

McDonald,

Sleight

et al. 2023

Front. Neurosci.

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“…Any experience qualified as mystical is characterized as different from ordinary consciousness and promotes a strong impression of contact with a different reality. Ayahuasca is one of the best-known entheogenic beverages that induces this state [ 27 ]. It is thought that the inclusive nature of these experiences and the majorly positive outcomes are what makes ayahuasca a powerful tool in treating depression, however, its highly variable and seemingly unquantifiable nature limits its acceptability.…”

Section: Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Effects of Ayahuasca on Psychological Disorders: A Systematic Literature Review

Sheth,

Parikh,

Olayeye

et al. 2024

Cureus

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Ayahuasca is an original Amazonian brew made from the vines and leaves of Psychotroa viridis and Banisteriopsis caapi. Both P. viridis and B. caapi give this brew its unique psychedelic properties which have been revered over centuries. In recent years, ayahuasca has gained attention as a potential therapeutic tool for mental health disorders, including substance abuse and depression. The uniqueness of ayahuasca’s therapeutic potential is that it is an amalgamation of its biochemical makeup and the ritual guided by a shaman, along with the interpretation of the participant of their experience. The boom of “ayahuasca tourism” has brought forth testimonies of feeling “cured” of depression, and substance abuse and an improvement in overall well-being. This systematic literature review focuses on summarizing the recently available research on the effectiveness of ayahuasca as a treatment for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It also focuses on understanding the effects it has on personality traits that play a significant role in the manifestation of the above-listed mental health conditions effects. Additionally, the review investigates the importance and role the ritual itself plays, often described as the “mystical experience”. This systematic literature review aims to explore the current state of knowledge regarding the use of ayahuasca for numerous mental health conditions by analyzing medical research papers published no earlier than September 2017 to no later than May 2023 from Google Scholar and PubMed. A total of 43 articles met the criteria and were used for detailed analysis. This review will synthesize the findings of the studies, examining the potential therapeutic effects of ayahuasca on multiple mental health disorders, the significance of the “mystical experience,” and the mechanisms of action underlying its effects. Through the review, ayahuasca proves to be a worthwhile therapeutic tool that if used in the right setting influences mind, body, and spirit. It is important to note that most studies used in this article relied on surveys and self-reporting proving to be a limitation as no clear standard has been achieved to test the efficacy of ayahuasca. The respect for the culture and origin needs to be retained as Western medicine dwells deeper into ayahuasca’s benefits.

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The Structural Organization and Construct Validity Evidence of the Brazilian Versions of the Mysticism Scale and the Ego-Dissolution Inventory in a Major Religion of the Ayahuasca

Savoldi

Roazzi

Escobar³

et al. 2023

Int J Lat Am Relig

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Mystical and Ego-Dissolution Experiences in Ayahuasca and Jurema Holistic Rituals: An Exploratory Study

Cited by 3 publications

References 86 publications

Cross-validation of the ego dissolution scale: implications for studying psychedelics

Cross-validation of the ego dissolution scale: implications for studying psychedelics

The Effects of Ayahuasca on Psychological Disorders: A Systematic Literature Review

The Structural Organization and Construct Validity Evidence of the Brazilian Versions of the Mysticism Scale and the Ego-Dissolution Inventory in a Major Religion of the Ayahuasca

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