Psychedelic Agents in Creative Problem-Solving: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Based on the frequently reported similarities between creative and psychedelic (drug-induced, consciousness-expansion) experiences, a preliminary study was conducted to explore the effects of psychedelic agents (LSD-25, mescaline) on creative problem-solving ability. Twenty-seven professionally employed males were given a single psychedelic experience in 1 of 7 small groups ( ns = 3 or 4) following extensive selection and preparatory procedures. This drug-induced problem-solving session was carefully structured with particular focus on establishing Ss' expectancies and a psychosocial milieu conducive to creative activity. Tentative findings based on tests of creativity, on subjective reports and self ratings, and on the utility of problem solutions suggested that, if given according to this carefully structured regimen, psychedelic agents seem to facilitate creative problem-solving, particularly in the “illumination phase.” The results also suggest that various degrees of increased creative ability may continue for at least some weeks subsequent to a psychedelic problem-solving session.

Psychedelics

“…The closest the published literature comes is an early study by Harman et al (1966). Harman et al recruited 27 male participants who were in various professional occupations, including engineers, physicists, mathematicians, architects, a furniture designer, and a commercial artist.…”

Creativity and Psychoactive Substance Use: A Systematic Review

“…However, it needs to be emphasized that these studies examined specific functions while creativity is a complex process. In light of these studies, it is clear that psychoactive substances might contribute to a change of aesthetic experience (Korngold, 1963), or enhanced creative problem solving (Harman et. al, 1966).…”

Psychedelics and creativity: a review of the quantitative literature

“…Harman, McKim, Fadiman and colleagues (Harman and Fadiman, 1970;Harman et al, 1966: ; see also ;Fadiman et al, 1965) used a pre-versus-post drug administration design to study the effects of mescaline on creativity, which they assessed with both objective testing and qualitative assessment of participants' attempts to solve professional problems. Although this report is often discussed as a single study, it may be more accurate to describe the report as a summary of preliminary results from a research program that was still actively being refined (Harman and Fadiman, 1970).…”

“…They advised participants that "they would not experience difficulty with such distractions as visions, involvement with personal problems, and so on" and "they would be able to concentrate on the assigned tasks with ease and would be able to work more effectively than usual" (Fadiman et al, 1965 p. 3). Because psychedelics have been reported to increase suggestibility (Middlefell, 1967;Sjoberg and Hollister, 1965;Netz and Engstam, 1968), it seems reasonable to hypothesize that the expectation of improved creativity in participants might help to increase performance (Harman et al, 1966;Barron and Harrington, 1981).…”