J Psychopharmacol November 2011 PMID 21956378

Mystical experiences occasioned by the hallucinogen psilocybin lead to increases in the personality domain of openness.

Katherine A MacLean, Matthew W Johnson, Roland R Griffiths

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Mentions

39
Peak: 2 in Oct 2012
across 7 sources since Sep 2012

Extended reach

22,471
potential audience

Total likes

19

Video views

464

Mentions per month

Sep 2012 – Nov 2025

Where it's discussed

  • Blogs9 articles
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  • Reddit8 posts
  • News6 articles
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AI synopsis

What people are saying

Discussions reflect a generally positive reception, with several posts highlighting the transformative effects of psilocybin on personality traits like openness, such as mentions of long-term changes and the implications for mental health. The tone varies from curiosity and skepticism to advocacy, showing a nuanced interest in the research's societal and personal implications.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the research's findings, with several emphasizing the potential benefits of psilocybin on personality openness.

InterestHigh interest

The topic garners high interest, evidenced by references to personal impacts, legal implications, and calls for further investigation.

EngagementModerate engagement

Discussions show a fair level of engagement, including suggestions for further research, questions about methodology, and ideas about societal implications.

ImpactModerate impact

The conversation recognizes the research as potentially impactful, especially regarding mental health treatment and drug policy debates.

Abstract in brief

  • Psilocybin-induced mystical experiences can lead to long-term increases in the personality trait of Openness, especially in areas like imagination and creativity, even in adults over 30 who are typically considered personality traits stable.
  • The study found that participants who had these mystical experiences during high-dose psilocybin sessions showed sustained increases in Openness more than a year later, indicating lasting personality changes.
  • These results highlight the potential of psilocybin and similar mystical experiences to influence core personality traits, challenging the idea that personality remains fixed after a certain age.]

Top posts

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FHux
@huxley_f · X

@tszzl @deepfates Here's the paper: https://t.co/AQl5eCV7Sw

Jan 29, 2022 · 2 likes · 137 followers View post →
Nicole Barbaro
@NicoleBarbaro · X

@wkeithcampbell @DanLeBretonPhD This may be the strongest case for legalizing drugs: reduce the partisan echo chambers in the US. Who thinks congress should be the first test subjects? https://t.co/qmIWoKBpEx

Jan 11, 2021 · 1 like · 16,559 followers View post →
Sansero Life Sciences
@Sansero_Life · X

Mystical Experiences Occasioned by the Hallucinogen Psilocybin Lead to Increases in the Personality Domain of Openness: https://t.co/h10EngKrL4 #psilocybin #psilocybinresearch

Aug 19, 2020 · 1 like · 95 followers View post →
Ian Pitchford
@IanPitchford · X

@LondonRealTV @DennisMcKenna4 @realDonaldTrump A single dose of psilocybin can cause a significant increase in the personality trait of Openness detectable more than a year later. https://t.co/kBGgV7pga9

Mar 9, 2020 · 2,309 followers View post →
Josue
@josuetoz · X

@DaveShapi @PaperWizardAI @kimmonismus https://t.co/kLiJaFtkP3

Oct 8, 2024 · 1,221 followers View post →
François Booream
@BooraemFrancois · X

https://t.co/0aRARXr41S

Aug 23, 2020 · 719 followers View post →

All mentions

Xenek Stoehr
@xeneks · X

@bryan_johnson I read a paper that indicated taking mushrooms had a permanent effect on the brain, specifically making a person more sensitive to the needs of others. Specifically openness. It might be worth looking into through questionnaires before and after. Refer eg. https://t.co/psguDJJfDd

Nov 9, 2025 · 413 followers View post →
Josue
@josuetoz · X

@DaveShapi @PaperWizardAI @kimmonismus https://t.co/kLiJaFtkP3

Oct 8, 2024 · 1,221 followers View post →
FHux
@huxley_f · X

@tszzl @deepfates Here's the paper: https://t.co/AQl5eCV7Sw

Jan 29, 2022 · 2 likes · 137 followers View post →
Nicole Barbaro
@NicoleBarbaro · X

@wkeithcampbell @DanLeBretonPhD This may be the strongest case for legalizing drugs: reduce the partisan echo chambers in the US. Who thinks congress should be the first test subjects? https://t.co/qmIWoKBpEx

Jan 11, 2021 · 1 like · 16,559 followers View post →
François Booream
@BooraemFrancois · X

https://t.co/0aRARXr41S

Aug 23, 2020 · 719 followers View post →
Sansero Life Sciences
@Sansero_Life · X

Mystical Experiences Occasioned by the Hallucinogen Psilocybin Lead to Increases in the Personality Domain of Openness: https://t.co/h10EngKrL4 #psilocybin #psilocybinresearch

Aug 19, 2020 · 1 like · 95 followers View post →
markangelodelacruz27
@markangelo_dc27 · X

Mystical Experiences Occasioned by the Hallucinogen Psilocybin Lead to Increases in the Personality Domain of Openness https://t.co/eYCyyIo67r

Jun 10, 2020 · 265 followers View post →
Ian Pitchford
@IanPitchford · X

@LondonRealTV @DennisMcKenna4 @realDonaldTrump A single dose of psilocybin can cause a significant increase in the personality trait of Openness detectable more than a year later. https://t.co/kBGgV7pga9

Mar 9, 2020 · 2,309 followers View post →
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