Spirituality, substance use and transformation in electronic dance music culture
June 15, 2023 Thomas J. Johnson, Danielle D. Weisman, Virgil L. Sheets et al. 1 citation
A survey of 146 electronic dance music (EDM) participants, mainly from the Midwestern United States, found that 41% rated having spiritual experiences as a very or extremely important reason for attending events, and 60% sometimes, often, or nearly always had spiritual experiences at events. Greater involvement with EDM was associated with higher well-being, while more frequent drug use—especially nitrous oxide—was linked to lower well-being. Preferences for different EDM genres correlated with distinct patterns of substance use, spiritual experiences, and personal transformation. Cluster analysis identified two subgroups: one more involved in EDM, seeking different qualities in a DJ and reporting both more transgressive behaviors (drug use) and more transcendent experiences (spiritual experiences, personal transformation).