Development and initial validation of an MDMA/Ecstasy motives assessment.
James E Sottile, Kathryn S Macia, Robert E Wickham, Nancy A Haug
Addictive Behaviors 2023 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107494 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1,754 |
| Population | International sample of adults who use recreational MDMA/Ecstasy |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Harm reduction Motives |
| Key findings | MDMA/Ecstasy use motives are characterized by social, expansion, coping, and energy factors, distinct from motives for other substances. |
Abstract
MDMA/Ecstasy motives differ from those of other substances such as alcohol, cannabis, and methamphetamine. Previous literature on alcohol and cannabis use identified social, expansion, enhancement, coping, and conformism as primary motives for use. MDMA/Ecstasy users also report using the drug for increases in self-awareness and energy. The development of an MDMA/Ecstasy use motives assessment has potential to inform treatment interventions and public policy on harm reduction. An MDMA/Ecstasy use motives assessment was developed from alcohol and cannabis motives measures and qualitative feedback from MDMA/Ecstasy users. Participants included an international sample of adults (N = 1754) who completed an online questionnaire regarding their motives for using recreational MDMA/Ecstasy. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis supported a 4-factor MDMA/Ecstasy motives scale. The four motive scales showed good internal consistency reliabilitySocial (α = 0.88) Expansion (α = 0.81), Coping (α = 0.82), and Energy (α = 0.75). Conformity and Enhancement did not emerge as significant factors. Analyses demonstrated convergent and discriminant validity with relevant constructs including quantity/frequency of use, MDMA use disorder, sensation seeking personality, and positive and negative consequences of use. MDMA/Ecstasy use motives differ from those of other substances due to the distinctly stimulating, emotional, and empathic effects sought by users. By identifying salient MDMA/Ecstasy motives, this study highlights the unique aspects of recreational MDMA/Ecstasy use. This research has utility for informing clinical practice and contributing to public health harm reduction efforts.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on MDMA, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recreational MDMA use in Sydney: a profile of ‘Ecstasy’ users and their experiences with the drug Recreational Ecstasy users recruited via snowball peer network | 1992 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 100 |
| Reducedin vivobinding to the serotonin transporter in the cerebral cortex of MDMA (‘ecstasy’) users Male regular ecstasy users and well-matched controls | 1999 | Cross-sectional association study | n = 20 |
| Patterns of simultaneous polysubstance use in drug using university students Drug-using university students | 2006 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 149 |
| Patterns of recreational drug use at dance events in Edinburgh, Scotland Drug users at dance events in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, aged 16-47, 80% between 18 and... | 2001 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 122 |
| Acute, sub‐acute and long‐term subjective consequences of ‘ecstasy’ (MDMA) consumption in 430 regular users Regular MDMA users | 2003 | Cross-sectional study | n = 466 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- Psychedelics as a tool for a more connected and sustainable world? Considering the importance of rituals, boundaries, and commitment. International Journal of Drug Policy September 5, 2024
- A thematic analysis of MDMA-related harm and harm reduction experiences and knowledge in Aotearoa New Zealand. Harm Reduction Journal May 23, 2024
- 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) consumption in Aotearoa New Zealand: A quantitative survey exploration Drug Science, Policy and Law 2024
- Risk for Ecstasy Use Disorder and Other Substance Use Among International Users of Recreational Ecstasy/Molly/MDMA. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs 2024
Cites 9
- MDMA enhances emotional empathy and prosocial behavior Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience October 4, 2013
- Chronic tolerance to recreational MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) or Ecstasy Journal of Psychopharmacology 2005
- “Partying” Hard: Party Style, Motives for and Effects of MDMA Use at Rave Parties Substance Use & Misuse 2005
- The varieties of ecstatic experience: an exploration of the subjective experiences of ecstasy. Journal of Psychopharmacology September 1, 2006
- MDMA effects consistent across laboratories Psychopharmacology March 15, 2014
and 4 more in the library