Lifetime MDMA use and associations with meaning in life in the context of childhood trauma
Michelle Olofsson, Kasim Acar, Otto Simonsson, Maria Bragesjö, T. Kirk White, Rita Almeida, P. Petrovic, Alexander Lebedev
Scientific Reports February 10, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-37721-6 via OpenAlex
Summary
Lifetime use of MDMA was not significantly linked to meaning in life overall, but it showed a notable interaction with childhood trauma history. Specifically, individuals with a history of childhood trauma who used MDMA reported higher meaning in life. This suggests that while MDMA use alone may not impact meaning, it could play a role in enhancing it for those with traumatic backgrounds. Further research is needed to explore these associations.
Study at a glance
| Design | observational cohort |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 807 |
| Population | Swedish adults |
| Key finding | MDMA use was associated with higher meaning in life among individuals with a history of childhood trauma. |
Abstract
Recent research has highlighted the potential of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and other trauma-related psychiatric conditions. However, less is known about the effects of MDMA use on psychological well-being in populations with trauma histories outside of clinical contexts. In the present study, we assessed associations between naturalistic lifetime MDMA use (i.e., having ever used MDMA) and an overlooked psychological predictor of resilience – meaning in life. Using data from a survey study of a sample of Swedish adults (n = 807), multiple linear regression models were fit to assess associations between lifetime MDMA use and meaning in life, as well as interactions with childhood trauma history. Meaning in life was measured using the presence subscale of the 10-item meaning in life questionnaire (MLQ). While lifetime MDMA use was not significantly associated with meaning in life overall (β = 1.80, p = 0.055), a significant interaction emerged between lifetime MDMA use and childhood trauma on meaning in life (β = 4.06, p = 0.012). Specifically, MDMA use was associated with higher meaning in life among individuals with a history of childhood trauma. Together, these associations warrant further longitudinal and experimental research to test whether MDMA exposure relates to changes in meaning in life.