Awe-inducing raves are linked to transformative experiences and social bonding, study finds

A study recently published in Frontiers provides new insight into the psychology of raves. The findings suggests that awe-inspiring experiences fueled by psychoactive substances, vigorous dancing, intense rhythmic drums, and a lack of sleep are associated with personal transformation and social connectedness.

“We were primarily interested in paths to becoming bonded – or fused – to a group. In particular, we wanted to see if the transformative experiences users of psychedelics often report might be associated with bonding to one’s social group,” explained study author Martha Newson of the University of Kent and University of Oxford.

“Psychedelics have a deep-rooted stigma related to recreational drug use and harm, but they are being used more and more in clinical studies for drug therapy in the search for more effective treatment pathways – for example, treating depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or even anorexia,” Newson said in a news release.
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