Preparation Questionnaire

Psychedelic Preparedness Scale (PPS)

Prospective Version - Development and psychometric validation of a novel scale for measuring ‘psychedelic preparedness’ (McAlpine, et al, 2024) https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-53829-z
Name

First NameLast Initial
Date

MonthDayYear
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit yearDate
Email
example@example.com
Client Type:

Other
Instructions
In relation to your upcoming psychedelic experience, indicate the degree to which you agree with the following statements.

1
Not at all

2
A little

3
More than a little

4
Moderately

5
Considerably

6
Very much

7
Completely
I have done some of my own research into the effects of the psychedelic substance (e.g., reading articles/books, watching videos, listening to podcasts etc)*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 is Not at all, 7 is Completely Agree
I understand that the experience might evoke a range of intense emotions, from bliss to horror*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 is Not at all, 7 is Completely Agree
I have a clear intention for the psychedelic experience*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 is Not at all, 7 is Completely Agree
I have carefully contemplated my reasons for taking a psychedelic substance*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 is Not at all, 7 is Completely Agree
I understand that events from my past could surface into the psychedelic experience*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 is Not at all, 7 is Completely
I know that my experience will be somewhat unpredictable*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 is Not at all, 7 is Completely Agree
I have spoken with a therapist/counselor as part of my preparation for the psychedelic experience

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 is Not at all, 7 is Completely Agree
I am ready to experience whatever 'comes up' during the psychedelic experience*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 is Not at all, 7 is Completely Agreet
I am prepared to deal with uncomfortable and challenging aspects of the psychedelic experience*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 is Not at all, 7 is Completely Agree
I feel ready to surrender to whatever the psychedelic experience will be*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 is Not at allt, 7 is Completely Agree
I feel psychologically prepared for the psychedelic experience*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 is Not at all, 7 is Completely Agree
I am prepared for the physical effects of the psychedelic*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 is Not at all, 7 is Completely Agree
I feel a trusting, positive connection with the people who are going to be around me during the experience*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 is Not at all, 7 is Completely Agree
I feel the substance will be safe to take *

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 is Not at all, 7 is Completely Agree
I trust my own mind and body to safely process the experience*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 is Not at allt, 7 is Completely Agree
I am aware that the psychedelic experience might change me in some way*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 is Not at all , 7 is Completely Agreest
My family and/or friends are prepared and well-informed about the changes that could occur in me*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 is Not at all, 7 is Completely Agree
I have engaged with specific preparation practices (e.g., meditation, yoga, breathwork, journaling, diet, exercise)*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 is Not at all , 7 is Completely Agree
I have made a plan for what I will do in the hours and days after the psychedelic experience*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 is Not at all, 7 is Completely Agree
I have prepared some strategies in case things started to get difficult during the psychedelic experience*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 is Not at all, 7 is Completely Agree
(1) Knowledge-Expectations (1, 2, 5, 6 16) : This factor captures an individual's understanding and expectations regarding the psychedelic journey. Understanding the potential range of emotional and perceptual shifts is key here, helping individuals brace for the profound and (often) unpredictable nature of these experiences.

(2) Intention-Preparation (3, 4, 7, 18) : This factor delves into the psychological framework set prior to the encounter. It's about the depth and clarity of purpose – why one is embarking on this journey. It encompasses thoughtful intention-setting, an aspect often emphasised in therapeutic settings for guiding and grounding the psychedelic experience.

(3) Psychophysical-Readiness (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15): This factor addresses the individual's readiness to confront and accept challenging emotions and experiences, and a recognition of the physical sensations that might accompany the psychedelic state.

(4) Support-Planning (13, 14, 17, 19, 20): Critical for both the acute experience as well as the post-experience phase, this factor highlights the importance of practical and emotional support structures. It involves planning for safety, having a supportive environment, and setting up networks or practices for integrating the psychedelic experience into one's life.
PPS Score
Should be Empty:

Psychedelic Preparedness Scale (PPS)