Graduation Date
Spring 2021
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Master of Arts degree with a major in Sociology
Committee Chair Name
Joshua Meisel
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Jennifer Eichstedt
Second Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Keywords
Psilocybin, Mushrooms, Magic mushrooms, Psychoactive, Psychedelics, Drug use, Decriminalization, Qualitative research, Motivation, Experience, Tripping, Identity, Symbolic interaction, In-depth interviews, Long-term
Subject Categories
Sociology
Abstract
This study explores the experiences and motivations of people who take psilocybin mushrooms long-term. Little scholarly attention has been given to the psilocybin experience outside of a clinical setting. Likewise, there is a dearth of research examining the factors that lead to first-time and ongoing experiences with mushrooms. I conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 18 informants who have taken psilocybin mushrooms at least 10 times and for over three years. I encouraged open dialog and storytelling to gain a deeper understanding of their mushroom experiences and motivations to take long-term. Using a grounded theory approach, I identified the following patterns in how my informants take psilocybin mushrooms: learning to like and to control the psilocybin experience; the importance of having a positive mindset (set) and safe environment (setting); and how the psilocybin experience changes the perception of objective reality for the participant to subjectively determine personal meaning. Utilizing a symbolic interactionist theoretical framework, my research contributes to our understanding of how those who take mind altering substances make sense of their experiences and integrate their consumption into their daily lives. My research also adds to the growing body of literature on psychedelics providing a rich account of the experiences and motivations of a group taking psilocybin mushrooms long-term.
Citation Style
ASA
Recommended Citation
Daniel, Danielle Nicole, ""It kind of polishes all your flaws away": long-term experiences with psilocybin mushrooms and the influence of set and setting" (2021). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 492.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/492