Body Image and Defensiveness in an LSD-Taking Subculture

Summary

This study explores body image and defensiveness in 43 Haight-Ashbury LSD users and 39 matched non-users via the Holtzman Inkblot Technique. It was hypothesized that the body image of LSD users is less clearly defined than that of non-LSD users. Therefore, the LSD users were expected to give a greater number of Penetration responses and fewer Barrier responses than the non-users. It was further hypothesized that the LSD users would be more defensive as a result of having become less aware of their body boundaries. Although no significant differences were found, trends opposite to the hypotheses were observed. Caution should be exercised in generalizing from these data to all LSD users.