PsyPost
No Result
View All Result
PsyPost
No Result
View All Result
Home Exclusive Psychopharmacology Psychedelic Drugs

New study calls into question the unique benefits of Western classical music in psychedelic therapy

by Mane Kara-Yakoubian
October 22, 2021
in Psychedelic Drugs
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Analysis of data from an open-label study on psilocybin for smoking cessation found a slight benefit of using overtone-based music compared to Western classical music. This research was published in the journal ACS Pharmacology and Translational Science.

Psychedelic therapy has largely used Western classical music, with some of the most cited works in psychedelic literature recommending its use. However, individual differences in musical preferences could impact therapeutic outcomes in sessions that involve music. Justin C. Strickland and colleagues conducted analyses to evaluate the effects of musical genre on therapeutic outcomes.

In the target study, 10 nicotine-dependent participants had completed psilocybin therapy sessions, receiving 20 mg/70 kg in the first session and 30 mg/70 kg in subsequent sessions. Two different musical playlists were played during these sessions. The “Western classical” playlist (which can be found here on Spotify) was composed of classical music resembling playlists used by prior researchers, while the “overtone-based” playlist (which can be found here) was less traditional rhythmically and melodically, and emphasized instruments that had particularly strong overtone signatures, such as chimes, bells, and gongs.

After hearing from the two playlists in the first two sessions, participants chose their preferred playlist for the third. Following each session, participants completed two questionnaires assessing for the mystical effects of psilocybin, as well as challenging experiences (also known as ‘bad trips’). Smoking abstinence was determined by a timeline follow back (i.e., prompting participants to retrospectively estimate their smoking), exhaled carbon monoxide, and urinary cotinine level.

The analysis revealed a non-significant trend of greater mystical experiences for sessions that used overtone-based music, compared to Western classical music. Challenging experiences were the same across musical genres, with no observable patterns at the group or individual level. Two of four participants (50%) who had selected Western classical music for their third session were abstinent from smoking at the end of treatment (8 weeks following the first treatment session), and at the 6 and 12 months follow up.

Importantly, this was the case for five of six (83.3%) participants who had selected overtone-based music, with four of six (66.6%) remaining abstinent at the 6 and 12 months follow up. The researchers argue that the observed trends in this data challenge the prevailing notion that Western classic music (or any specific genre of music), is superior in supporting psychedelic therapy.

A few potential limitations are noted. First, the target study relied on a small sample of participants. Second, information regarding participants’ musical liking or acceptance was not collected. Lastly, there was some overlap between the two playlists (roughly 25% of songs), which could potentially limit the ability to fully differentiate between the two genres.

This research, “Set and Setting: A Randomized Study of Different Musical Genres in Supporting Psychedelic Therapy”, was authored by Justin C. Strickland, Albert Garcia-Romeu, and Matthew W. Johnson.

ShareTweetSendScanShareSharePinSend

Get all the latest updates on new psychology research with the free PsyPost app.
 


NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP

STAY CONNECTED

TRENDING

New study suggests that psychopathic individuals tend to become even worse after age 50

People with borderline tendencies have a higher number of estranged relationships

Biden voters were much more likely to report negative voting than Trump voters in the 2020 election

Women withhold honest sexual communication to protect their partner’s perceived masculinity, study finds

Partners’ heart rates synchronize in complex patterns of interaction when they are in close proximity

New research links deepfake pornography to psychopathic tendencies

RECENT

Social media helps improve mood among older adults by enriching their in-person encounters, study suggests

Biden voters were much more likely to report negative voting than Trump voters in the 2020 election

Women withhold honest sexual communication to protect their partner’s perceived masculinity, study finds

New research links deepfake pornography to psychopathic tendencies

Brazilian women who pretend to orgasm more frequently are less satisfied with their relationship

  • Cognitive Science
  • COVID-19
  • Mental Health
  • Social Psychology
  • Drug Research
  • Conspiracy Theories
  • Meditation
  • Psychology of Religion
  • Aviation Psychology and Human Factors
  • Relationships and Sexual Health
Powered by

About

PsyPost is a psychology and neuroscience news website dedicated to reporting the latest research on human behavior, cognition, and society. (READ MORE...)

  • Contact us
  • Privacy policy

No Result
View All Result
  • About
    • Newsletter signup form
  • Cart
  • Checkout
  • Contact
  • Contact us
  • My account
  • Privacy policy
  • Psychology news
  • PsyPost app privacy policy
  • Shop
  • SmartMag Home

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used.