Three Decades Later: The Life Experiences and Mid-Life Functioning of 1980s Heavy Metal Groupies, Musicians, and Fans

Abstract

Research in the 1980s suggested that young “metalheads” were at risk for poor developmental outcomes. No other study has assessed this group as adults; thus, we examined 1980s heavy metal groupies, musicians, and fans at middle age, using snowball sampling from Facebook. Online surveys assessed adverse childhood experiences, personality, adult attachment, and past and current functioning in 377 participants. Results revealed that metal enthusiasts did often experience traumatic and risky “sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll” lives. However, the “metalhead” identity also served as a protective factor against negative outcomes. They were significantly happier in their youth and better adjusted currently than either middle-aged or current college-age youth comparison groups. Thus, participation in fringe style cultures may enhance identity development in troubled youth.

Keywords::

• Identity development
• Adverse childhood experiences
• Heavy metal
• Personality
• Adult attachment

This project was funded by Humboldt State University (HSU) Sponsored Programs Foundation's Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities fund, and the HSU Parents and Alumni Research Fund. Thanks to Nikki Schreiber for her help on this project. Special thanks to all of the participants who spent long hours on their computers answering personal questions.

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.