Users' perceptions of the risks and effects of taking ecstasy (MDMA): a questionnaire study.
Philip N. Murphy, Michelle Wareing, John E. Fisk
Journal of Psychopharmacology May 2006 DOI: 10.1177/0269881106063270 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 328 |
| Population | Ecstasy users (139 female, 187 male, one transsexual) with a mean age of 22.5 years |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Key findings | Friends were the most common source of ecstasy information, with females more likely to use this source. No gender differences appeared in perceived risk categories. Males more often took rest breaks, while females more often limited consumption. Principal components analysis revealed three factors of perceived change since initiation: negative experiences (23.8% variance), positive qualities (22.0%), and selective functioning (10.5%). Patterns suggest that at about six years since initiation, some long-term users may reassess their use. |
Abstract
This self-report questionnaire study examined ecstasy users' perceptions of the risks associated with their use of ecstasy, their precautions against such risks, and its perceived effects on their lives. Gender differences in these areas were also explored. The sample comprised 328 ecstasy users (139 female, 187 male, one transsexual) with a mean age of 22.5 years (SD = 4.9 years). Questionnaires were completed either in hard copy or through a website concerned with ecstasy use. The results showed that friends were the most common source of information about ecstasy for the sample overall, although females were more likely to utilize this source than males. None of the five categories of perceived risk (e.g. psychiatric, physical) showed a significant gender difference. Males were more likely to take rest breaks whilst females were more likely to limit consumption as a precaution against harm. Three factors emerged from a principal components analysis concerning perceived personal change since initiation of ecstasy use. Factor 1 (23.8% of the variance) concerned negative experiences (e.g. depression). Factor 2 (22.0% of the variance) concerned positive personal qualities (e.g. caring). Factor 3 (10.5% of the variance) concerned selective aspects of functioning (e.g. alertness). The pattern of Factor 1 and Factor 2 scores over time suggested that 6 years since initiation of ecstasy use might be a time when some long-term users may be open to reassess their use of the drug. Broader implications of the findings for health education initiatives aimed at ecstasy users are discussed.
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 10
- A thematic analysis of MDMA-related harm and harm reduction experiences and knowledge in Aotearoa New Zealand. Harm Reduction Journal May 23, 2024
- Psychological Effects Related to Psychedelic Substance Use in the Previous 12 Months European Journal of Psychology Open May 28, 2025
- Perceived Risk Associated with MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly) Use among African Americans: What Prevention and Treatment Providers Should Know. Substance Use & Misuse June 7, 2018
- Linking the pharmacological content of ecstasy tablets to the subjective experiences of drug users. Psychopharmacology April 2012
- The Drug Information and Monitoring System (DIMS) in the Netherlands: implementation, results, and international comparison. Drug Testing and Analysis September 2011
and 5 more in the library
Cites 6
- Mood and cognitive effects of ± 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ‘ecstasy’): week‐end ‘high’ followed by mid‐week low Addiction July 1, 1997
- Club drugs: methylenedioxymethamphetamine, flunitrazepam, ketamine hydrochloride, and gamma-hydroxybutyrate American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy June 1, 2002
- Acute, sub‐acute and long‐term subjective consequences of ‘ecstasy’ (MDMA) consumption in 430 regular users Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental October 1, 2003
- MDMA and Sexual Behavior: Ecstasy Users' Perceptions About Sexuality and Sexual Risk Substance Use & Misuse 2005
- Patterns, Trends, and Meanings of Drug Use by Dance-drug Users in Edinburgh, Scotland Drugs Education Prevention and Policy June 1, 2004
and 1 more in the library