OPEN Foundation

Set and Setting: A Randomized Study of Different Musical Genres in Supporting Psychedelic Therapy

Abstract

Mounting evidence supports the serotonin 2A receptor agonist psilocybin as a psychiatric pharmacotherapy. Little research has experimentally examined how session “set and setting” impacts subjective and therapeutic effects. We analyzed the effects of the musical genre played during sessions of a psilocybin study for tobacco smoking cessation. Participants (N = 10) received psilocybin (20-30 mg/70 kg) in two sessions, each with a different musical genre (Western classical versus overtone-based), with the order counterbalanced. Participants chose one genre for a third session (30 mg/70 kg). Mystical experiences scores tended to be higher in overtone-based sessions than in Western classical sessions. Six of ten participants chose the overtone-based music for a third session. Biologically confirmed smoking abstinence was similar based on musical choice, with a slight benefit for participants choosing the overtone-based playlist (66.7% versus 50%). These data call into question whether Western classical music typically used in psychedelic therapy holds a unique benefit. Broadly, we call for experimentally examining session components toward optimizing psychedelic therapeutic protocols.

Strickland, J. C., Garcia-Romeu, A., & Johnson, M. W. (2020). Set and Setting: A Randomized Study of Different Musical Genres in Supporting Psychedelic Therapy. ACS pharmacology & translational science, 4(2), 472–478. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsptsci.0c00187

Link to full text

OPEN Foundation

Share This Post

get the latest

The OPEN Minded Newsletter keeps you informed about the latest psychedelic research & news, articles, exclusive events, job opportunities, programmes, and free resources!

By clicking SUBSCRIBE, I confirm to receive emails from the OPEN Foundation and agree with its privacy policy.

Join an upcoming event

Be at the forefront of psychedelic research and therapy

An Introduction to Internal Family Systems in Psychedelic Therapy - Online Event - May 13