Dr. Jarrett Rose Explores Group Dynamics in Psychedelic Therapy

Dr. Jarrett Rose Explores Group Dynamics in Psychedelic Therapy

Published:
Thursday, January 30, 2025 - 10:17
Research News
Dr. Rose

SUNY Poly Assistant Professor of Community and Behavioral Health and Sociology Dr. Jarrett Rose has published a study titled, “From Isolation to Social (and Psychedelic) Integration: A Sociology of Collective Effervescence and Therapeutic Community in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy,” in the journal Sociology of Health & Illness. His research applies Emile Durkheim’s theory of “collective effervescence” to group-based psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT), emphasizing the importance of social connectedness in therapeutic outcomes.

The study addresses a gap in modern psychedelic research, which often overlooks communal settings. Through interviews and an ethnographic study of a weeklong PAT retreat in Jamaica, Dr. Rose identified key group processes such as trust-building, bonding, and shared emotional support. Participants described how these dynamics fostered deep social connections and enhanced their ability to address personal challenges.

Dr. Rose's findings highlight that group interactions can amplify the therapeutic effects of psychedelics. Many participants noted that the communal experience created a safe environment to openly share fears and traumas, ultimately contributing to long-term healing.

This research underscores the potential of group-based models in PAT to improve mental health outcomes through social integration. Dr. Rose’s work bridges sociology and psychedelic science, offering a framework for further studies on collective healing in both clinical and natural settings.

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