After receiving a short explanation of MDMA- and psilocybin-assisted therapy, both Black and White participants reported greater interest and more positive views.
What they studied
Researchers surveyed 294 Black and White adults about their knowledge of and attitudes toward psychedelic-assisted therapy. Participants answered questions before and after receiving brief information about MDMA- and psilocybin-assisted therapy.
What the research found
The study included 294 adults: 44% identified as Black/African American or mixed race with Black/African ancestry, and 56% as White.
After receiving the information, both groups reported greater interest and more positive views.
Black participants reported more positive views than White participants after the psychoeducation.
What this helps us understand
The study separates initial attitudes from fixed preferences. Brief information changed reported views, suggesting that what people know about an unfamiliar treatment can shape how they respond to it. For communication and research teams, the content and timing of introductory information become relevant parts of engagement.
The study measured reported attitudes after brief information; it did not measure treatment decisions or clinical outcomes.
