Factor Analysis of the Mystical Experience Questionnaire: A Study of Experiences Occasioned by the Hallucinogen Psilocybin
- PMID: 23316089
- PMCID: PMC3539773
- DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-5906.2012.01685.x
Factor Analysis of the Mystical Experience Questionnaire: A Study of Experiences Occasioned by the Hallucinogen Psilocybin
Abstract
A large body of historical evidence describes the use of hallucinogenic compounds, such as psilocybin mushrooms, for religious purposes. But few scientific studies have attempted to measure or characterize hallucinogen-occasioned spiritual experiences. The present study examined the factor structure of the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ), a self-report measure that has been used to assess the effects of hallucinogens in laboratory studies. Participants (N=1602) completed the 43-item MEQ in reference to a mystical or profound experience they had had after ingesting psilocybin. Exploratory factor analysis of the MEQ retained 30 items and revealed a 4-factor structure covering the dimensions of classic mystical experience: unity, noetic quality, sacredness (F1); positive mood (F2); transcendence of time/space (F3); and ineffability (F4). MEQ factor scores showed good internal reliability and correlated with the Hood Mysticism Scale, indicating convergent validity. Participants who endorsed having had a mystical experience on psilocybin, compared to those who did not, had significantly higher factor scores, indicating construct validity. The 4-factor structure was confirmed in a second sample (N=440) and demonstrated superior fit compared to alternative models. The results provide initial evidence of the validity, reliability, and factor structure of a 30-item scale for measuring single, hallucinogen-occasioned mystical experiences, which may be a useful tool in the scientific study of mysticism.
References
-
- Anthony Francis-Vincent, Hermans Chris AM, Sterkens Carl. A comparative study of mystical experience among Christian, Muslim, and Hindu students in Tamil, Nadu, India. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion. 2010;49(2):264–77.
-
- Back Kurt W, Bourque Linda Brookover. Can feelings be enumerated? Behavioral Science. 1970;15(6):487–96. - PubMed
-
- Baggott Matthew J, Coyle JR, Erowid Earth, Erowid Fire, Robertson Lynn C. Abnormal visual experiences in individuals with histories of hallucinogen use: A web-based questionnaire. Drug Alcohol Dependence. 2011;114(1):61–7. - PubMed
-
- Baggott Matthew J, Erowid Earth, Erowid Fire, Galloway Gantt P, Mendelson John. Use patterns and self-reported effects of Salvia divinorum: An internet-based survey. Drug Alcohol Dependence. 2010;111(3):250–6. - PubMed
-
- Beauregard Mario, Courtemanche Jérôme, Paquette Vincent. Brain activity in near-death experiencers during a meditative state. Resuscitation. 2009;80(9):1006–10. - PubMed
Grants and funding
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources
Other Literature Sources
Medical
Miscellaneous