The role of Ecstasy (MDMA) in managing intimacy and conflict in stable relationships.
Kristin M. Kostick, Jean J. Schensul
Culture, health & sexuality October 2018 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2018.1475682 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Young adults in intimate relationships with one or more partners living in resource-poor urban environments |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Relationships USA Gender norms Intimacy Resource poor settings |
| Key findings | Both men and women reported using MDMA primarily for sexual enjoyment, but men reported this motivation more often, while women more frequently reported using MDMA to compensate for psychological or physical displeasure, particularly in relationships characterized by distrust. The authors argue these gendered motivations are shaped by gender norms and socioeconomic constraints, and call for more relational and sexual counselling for urban young adults to avoid MDMA use for self-medication. |
Abstract
This paper discusses motivations for the use of MDMA among young adults in intimate relationships living in resource poor environments, where structural constraints limit potential for economic mobility and impact upon interpersonal relations. Drawing from in-depth interviews with men and women in intimate relationships with one or more partners, we report the range of motivations for MDMA use and their association with indicators of relationship quality, specifically trust and romantic exclusivity. Findings demonstrate that both men and women use MDMA primarily for the purpose of sexual enjoyment. However, men report the use of MDMA for sexual enjoyment more often, while women more frequently report the use of MDMA to compensate for psychological or physical displeasure, particularly in relationships characterised by distrust. We discuss how these motivations to use MDMA are shaped by gender norms and larger contextual and socio-economic factors and conclude with a call for more relational and sexual counselling opportunities for urban young adults to avoid MDMA use for self-medication.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on MDMA, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phenomenology and Sequelae of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Use Psychiatrists who had taken MDMA | 1992 | Qualitative study | n = 20 |
| MDMA and Sexual Behavior: Ecstasy Users' Perceptions About Sexuality and Sexual Risk Current and former users of MDMA | 2005 | Qualitative study | n = 98 |
| Perceived Benefits of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy beyond Symptom Reduction: Qualitative Follow-Up Study of a Clinical Trial for Individuals with Treatment-Resistant PTSD Veterans, firefighters, and police officers with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD | 2019 | Qualitative study using interpretative phenomenological analysis | n = 19 |
| Negative Experiences on Ecstasy: The Role of Drug, Set, and Setting Current or former users of Ecstasy | 2002 | Qualitative study | n = 98 |
| A Qualitative Exploration of Relational Ethical Challenges and Practices in Psychedelic Healing Practitioners who have administered MDMA and psilocybin to clients in underground... | 2021 | Qualitative study | n = 23 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- Can research on entactogens contribute to a deeper understanding of human sexuality? Pharmacological Reports December 1, 2023
- Sex and psychedelics: a wide-lens look at a burgeoning field Medical Humanities January 6, 2025
- Women and MDMA: particularities of gender and sex. International Review of Psychiatry 2023
- Psychedelic Use and Intimacy: A Systematic Review of Experimental and Naturalistic Research. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs October 21, 2025
Cites 8
- Gender differences in the subjective effects of MDMA Psychopharmacology March 5, 2001
- Therapeutic effect of increased openness: Investigating mechanism of action in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. Journal of Psychopharmacology August 1, 2017
- How could MDMA (ecstasy) help anxiety disorders? A neurobiological rationale Journal of Psychopharmacology March 9, 2009
- Depressive symptomatology in young adults with a history of MDMA use: a longitudinal analysis Journal of Psychopharmacology August 22, 2007
- "Rollin' on E": a qualitative analysis of ecstasy use among inner city adolescents and young adults. Journal of ethnicity in substance abuse 2005
and 3 more in the library