An Analysis of the Experiences and Integration of Transpersonal Phenomena Induced by Electronic Dance Music Events

Authors

Audrey Redfield, Licensed Psychologist, San Francisco Bay Area, CA, USA

DOI

https://doi.org/10.24972/ijts.2017.36.1.67

Abstract

Electronic dance music (EDM) events are attended by millions of people all over the world. While prior research uncovered the spiritual and religious elements as well as the transpersonal nature of EDM events, this preliminary study further explored the types of transpersonal phenomena that participants experience at EDM events and their subsequent integration of these experiences into daily life. A semi-structured, in-depth interview was used to explore this topic with 12 EDM participants. A thematic analysis was conducted on the data. Findings suggested that EDM events have the potential to foster interpersonal relationships with the numinous, spiritual beings, and human beings, as well as cause transformative intrapersonal and spiritual experiences, implying an enhancement in psychological and physical health and wellbeing in day-to-day life. Results also indicated that the EDM event environment, dancing, and electronic dance music play important roles in facilitating the induction of experiences of transpersonal phenomena.

Recommended Citation

Redfield, A. (2017). An analysis of the experiences and integration of transpersonal phenomena induced by electronic dance music events. International Journal of Transpersonal Studies, 36 (1). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.24972/ijts.2017.36.1.67