A quantitative exploration of the relationships between regular yoga practice, microdosing psychedelics, wellbeing and personality variables

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: The current study aimed to explore whether the subjective effects of microdosing psychedelics are comparable to those of yoga in relation to psychological wellbeing, depression, anxiety and stress. It also explored the relationship between yoga, microdosing and personality. Method: The sample comprised 339 participants, yoga (n = 131), microdose (n = 69), microdose and yoga (n = 54) and control (n = 85). All completed measures of personality (M5-50 and Tellegen Absorption Scale), mood (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21) and wellbeing (Ryff Scales of Psychological Wellbeing). Results: The yoga and microdosing groups scored significantly higher on psychological wellbeing and absorption than the control. The microdosing and yoga group had lower depression scores than the microdose only group, and lower anxiety scores than the yoga only group. Furthermore, the microdosing and yoga group had the highest absorption score. Openness was significantly lower in the control group than in all other groups. Conclusions: While we cannot infer that yoga and microdosing lead to increased wellbeing, openness and absorption, or to decreased depression and anxiety, the findings suggest that the subjective effects of microdosing psychedelics are comparable to those of yoga and that the combination of both might be beneficial. KEY POINTS What is already known about this topic: (1) Yoga often leads to improved psychological wellbeing, decreased depressive and anxiety symptoms, decreased neuroticism, and increased openness and absorption. (2) A small number of recent studies have found that taking subthreshold doses of psychedelic substances, known as microdosing, has improved psychological wellbeing, reduced depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms and increased the personality traits of openness and absorption. What this topic adds: (1) We are the first researchers to compare the effects of yoga with psychedelic microdosing on wellbeing and personality. (2) Our findings suggest the effects of microdosing psychedelic substances might be comparable to those of yoga. (3) Our study implies the combination of both yoga and microdosing has complementary effects on general wellbeing and absorption.