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Abstract
The present study examines whether the ceremonial use of ayahuasca is associated with change in personality traits; and the degree to which participant characteristics, baseline personality, and post-ayahuasca acute experiences amplify personality change processes. Method: 289 participants recruited from clients of three ayahuasca healing and spiritual centers in South and Central America completed measures of self- and informant-reported Five-Factor model personality at three measurement points (Baseline, Post, 3-month Follow-up) and moderating variables at two measurement points (Baseline, Post). Results: Descriptive analyses and bootstrap confidence intervals were used to examine change in personality domains and facets and moderation by covariates. A decrease in Neuroticism was observed between Baseline and Post, and Baseline and 3-month Follow-up, and this change was reflected in self- and informant-report data. Moderation of personality change by baseline personality, acute experiences, ceremonial elements, and purgative experiences was also observed.