Relationship between naturalistic psychedelic use and grandiose narcissism: an online cross-sectional study

What is the relationship between psychedelic use and narcissistic traits? Psychedelic states—such as mystical experiences and ego dissolution—are often assumed to reduce narcissism. However, prior findings are inconclusive, and some studies suggest that psychedelics may even enhance narcissistic tendencies.The present study examined the relationship between naturalistic psychedelic use and two distinct forms of grandiose narcissism: admiration and rivalry. Using data from an online survey, we compared psychedelic users (N = 630), non-users (N = 100), and individuals planning to use psychedelics in the future (N = 141) on levels of admiration and rivalry. Additionally, we explored how these two forms of narcissism related to the intensity of past ego dissolution and mystical experiences.Psychedelic users reported higher admiration and lower rivalry than non-users who did not intend to use psychedelics. However, no significant differences emerged between users and those intending to use psychedelics. Among users, ego dissolution experiences were associated with lower rivalry, while mystical experiences were linked to higher admiration.By highlighting these opposing patterns in admiration and rivalry, our findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of how specific personality traits relate to psychedelic use. Due to the cross-sectional design, causal conclusions cannot be drawn. It remains unclear whether admiration and rivalry influence an individual’s likelihood of using psychedelics or whether psychedelic experiences shape these traits. Future longitudinal and experimental studies are needed to clarify the direction of these relationships and to investigate contextual and individual factors shaping psychedelic experiences and their psychological outcomes.