In this symposium, comprising a theoretical introduction and three empirical presentations, we delineate the heuristic potential of attachment theory for psychedelic science. Granqvist’s introduction discusses three specific proposals offered in a recent agenda proposal (Cherniak et al., 2023). First, attachment-related experiences and variations in attachment security are likely to predict psychedelic phenomenology and integration including adverse effects. Second, internal working models of attachment, underlying variations in attachment security, are a form of relational priors. If psychedelics serve to relax the grip of rigid priors, then increased attachment security is a viable outcome of psychedelic treatment. Third, attachment theory provides a broad framework that may aid in understanding key processes underlying the utility of psychedelic treatment. This includes a sense of connection, emotion regulation skills, and experiences of relational repair – with the therapist(s), the numinous, and others. These outcomes extend beyond symptom reduction in clinical samples to growth and flourishing also among the “healthy-minded”.

Research Question and Hypothesis

The three empirical presentations elaborate on each proposal, using data from non-clinical samples and contexts. First, Cassidy presents findings from participants in ayahuasca retreats indicating increased attachment security post-ayahuasca experiences involving encounters with Usually Invisible Beings. Second, Martling presents preliminary findings from a study of healthy volunteers undergoing a psilocybin retreat.  Attachment security predicted the phenomenology of psychedelic experiences and changed favorably following the retreat. Finally, Cherniak presents findings from a survey study of naturalistic psychedelic experiences showing that perceived insecure attachment history with parents was linked to several facets of psychedelic phenomenology.