[Influence of the disco-scene on the psyche and soma of young people: psychometric, computerized-EEG and physiological studies (author's transl)]

Author(s): Schultes, M., Grünberger, J.

Journal/Book: Wien Med Wochenschr. 1982; 132: 137-43.

Abstract: Investigating the personality profile of 90 young disco- visitors, it was found that the group on the whole did not differ from the norm. However, a more detailed analysis according to age and sex demonstrated that young female "disco-fans" (under the age of 20 years) exhibited an increased desire for communication and contacts but also a less critical and a more pronounced self-admiring attitude than controls, while this was not observed in males. Subsequently, the effect of a typical disco-night on physiological, neurophysiological and psychometric variables was studied in 13 young disco- visitors. The results suggested an increased activation and arousal as reflected by the increased critical flicker fusion frequency, heart rate and blood pressure. Moreover, psychomotor activity, drive and mood were found to be improved, while attention, concentration, attention variability, reaction time and mnestic function deteriorated as compared with a control night. Digital computer period analysis of the electroencephalogram revealed an increased of theta and beta activity, and a decrease of alpha activity. The profile of the latter CNS changes shows a certain similarity to the pharmaco-EEG profiles of antidepressants. The findings are discussed.

Keyword(s): Dancing|. Music|. Personality|

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