Music and substance use: A meta-analytic review

J Ethn Subst Abuse. 2020 Apr-Jun;19(2):208-237. doi: 10.1080/15332640.2018.1494657. Epub 2018 Sep 5.

Abstract

While previous research has documented a relation between music and substance use among consumers, to date, there are no meta-analytic reviews of the literature, making our meta-analysis the first in this area. Results from 31 studies, yielding a total of 330,652, indicated that music had a significant effect on substance use, with both music format and genre being significant contributors. The effect of music on substance use also varied by substance type. In addition, participant biological sex and location of data collection were found to moderate the effect of music on substance use. Theoretical implications are discussed along with directions for future research.

Keywords: Music media; meta-analysis; substance use.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Music*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Young Adult