Date of Award
Fall 12-1-2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Thomas Johnson
Second Advisor
Virgil Sheets
Third Advisor
Jennifer Schriver
Abstract
The present study examined the nature and frequency of reported mystical experiences within the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) scene and the roles psychedelic and psychedelic-like substances, set, and setting play in facilitating these experiences. Participants were recruited using posts on a variety of EDM-related Facebook groups (EDM, EDM Universal, EDM Festivals and Raves, etc.) and Reddit threads (bonaroo, electricdaisycarnival, RavesAndRavers, etc.). Participants completed a self-report survey consisting of questions pertaining to their involvement in the EDM scene, motives for attendance at EDM events, motives for drug use, importance of the values of peace, love, unity, and respect (PLUR), the proportion of time engaged in EDM-related activities, personality characteristics, and the frequency of lifetime and past year substance use at EDM events. The Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ30) was utilized, which has been commonly used in controlled drug administration studies. The study included a total of 429 participants aged between 18 and 59 years (M =28.73, SD = 5.64). Results indicated 39.2% of participants reported having a “complete mystical experience.” Attending EDM events for spiritual experience/transformation reasons, extent of absorption, openness to experience, age (younger compared to older), importance of PLUR values, preference for “Jungle/Tribal/Minimal/Industrial” music, and use of MDMA, LSD, and psilocybin (lower extent of use compared to higher) at EDM events were found to be significant predictors of mystical experiences. Drug use was not found to be a mediator and showed separate significant effects from set variables. Proportion of time spent dancing at EDM events was not shown to be related to scores assessing the occurrence of mystical experiences. The present study provides novel insights into the phenomenology of mystical experiences and provides a foundation for the exploration of long-term effects of mystical experiences and the potential benefits on an iv individual’s psychological health, well-being, and behavior. It provides a basis for examining the relationships between substance use, music, personality, and social factors within a cultural context.
Recommended Citation
Lesniak, Cody Edward, "Predictors of Mystical Experiences in the Electronic Dance Music Scene" (2024). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3142.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/3142
Included in
Dance Commons, Dance Movement Therapy Commons, Musicology Commons, Music Performance Commons, Other Music Commons
