Psychedelics & the Narcissist: How Awe May Boost Empathy

Are Psychedelics Helping Us Care More and Self-Obsess Less?

These days, it feels like everyone is calling everyone else a narcissist. Got a friend who posts too many selfies? Narcissist. A boss who takes all the credit? Definitely a narcissist. The word has become shorthand for anyone who seems self-centered or lacking empathy.

But true narcissism is more complex — and it exists on a spectrum. We all carry some narcissistic traits to varying degrees. A touch of self-focus can be healthy; it helps us set boundaries and take pride in ourselves. But at the extreme end, narcissism can become deeply destructive. Especially the kind known as exploitative-entitled narcissism, where empathy is low and self-importance runs high.

Now, fascinating new research suggests that certain psychedelic experiences, the kind that fill people with awe and a sense of deep connection, might help soften some of those harsher narcissistic edges.

Awe and Empathy: A Surprising Link

A recent study published in Psychopharmacology found that awe-inspiring psychedelic experiences can lead to a greater sense of empathy and connectedness. This, in turn, is linked to lower levels of exploitative-entitled narcissism.

Previous studies have shown that psychedelics can boost social connection and improve emotional wellbeing. The researchers behind this new paper wanted to know if those effects might also touch something deeper: our narcissistic tendencies.

“We read recent research findings suggesting that use of some classic psychedelic drugs can boost levels of empathy,” explained study authors Valerie van Mulukom, a research fellow at Coventry University, and Ruairi Patterson, a PhD student at the University of Surrey.

“Lower empathy is pivotally implicated in narcissism and in particular so-called maladaptive, or exploitative-entitled, narcissism,” they said. “So we were interested to see if there might be links between psychedelics use and levels of maladaptive narcissism.”

The pair were especially intrigued because most psychedelic research has focused on depression, not personality disorders. “Through our study, we have set the first steps in this direction, by exploring the association between psychedelic drug experiences and narcissistic personality traits,” they added.

The Study: Awe Over Ego

The researchers surveyed 414 people who had used classic serotonergic psychedelics, such as LSD or psilocybin (“magic mushrooms”), in the past five years. Participants described their most awe-inspiring, emotional, or meaningful psychedelic experience. Then they completed questionnaires measuring empathy, connectedness, and narcissism.

Interestingly, one might assume that ego death (that infamous feeling of losing one’s sense of self during a trip) would relate to reduced narcissism. But the study found no link between ego death and narcissism levels.

Instead, it was awe that made the difference. Those who reported more awe during their trip tended to show lower levels of maladaptive narcissism. This appeared to be linked to stronger feelings of connectedness and empathy.

“We found that people who had a recent, highly significant experience while using psychedelic drugs scored lower on maladaptive narcissism (e.g., exploitative-entitled narcissism). Especially if they had significant feelings of awe during their experience,” said van Mulukom and Patterson.

“Recent awe-inducing experiences under the influence of psychedelic drugs in turn led to currently stronger connections to nature and humanity, as well as a higher motivation to engage in emotional empathy. This was associated with lower levels of maladaptive narcissism.”

In short, the researchers suggest that psychedelics, by fostering awe and a sense of unity, might increase empathy. In doing so, it could dampen traits linked to low empathy, such as exploitative narcissism.

Correlation, Not Causation

Of course, this doesn’t mean psychedelics cause people to become less narcissistic. The study was cross-sectional, meaning it gathered data from participants only once. That makes it impossible to determine cause and effect.

“The data is correlational,” the authors noted. “We cannot identify causal relationships (or their direction) between psychedelics use, awe experiences, empathy and narcissism.”

They also pointed out that the survey was conducted online, which means people who are already enthusiastic about psychedelics may have been more likely to take part. Still, the participants represented a wide range of drug types, dosages, and narcissism scores. This suggests the sample wasn’t too narrow.

The Bigger Picture (and a Word of Caution)

Psychedelics are increasingly being studied for their potential to treat conditions such as major depression and end-of-life anxiety. But van Mulukom and Patterson stress that these substances should never be self-administered.

“We do not advocate that people self-medicate with psychedelic drugs; this is an advisory in all psychedelic drug studies, including those with therapeutic goals,” they emphasized. “For psychedelic drugs to be used therapeutically, they need to be administered in a carefully controlled environment in sessions led by medical professionals.”

The researchers also hope to explore whether other awe-inspiring experiences — not just psychedelic ones — might have similar effects.

“If so, is this effect also mediated by connectedness to nature and humanity and willingness to engage in emotional empathy?” they ask. “In our current research, we are further investigating the link between awe experiences and narcissism outside of psychedelic drug use as well as between narcissism and mindfulness meditation.”

So What Does This All Mean?

While we can’t yet say that psychedelics cure narcissism, this study hints at something bigger. The power of awe to dissolve the walls between self and others. Whether it comes from nature, music, meditation, or a psychedelic experience, awe seems to remind us that we’re all connected — and that humility and empathy can coexist beautifully with a healthy sense of self.