Factor Analysis of the Mystical Experience Questionnaire: A Study of Experiences Occasioned by the Hallucinogen Psilocybin
Top Cited Papers
- 4 December 2012
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wiley in Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion
- Vol. 51 (4), 721-737
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-5906.2012.01685.x
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 = 1,602) 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 four-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 four-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.Keywords
This publication has 49 references indexed in Scilit:
- Mystical experiences occasioned by the hallucinogen psilocybin lead to increases in the personality domain of opennessJournal of Psychopharmacology, 2011
- Psilocybin occasioned mystical-type experiences: immediate and persisting dose-related effectsPsychopharmacology, 2011
- Abnormal visual experiences in individuals with histories of hallucinogen use: A web-based questionnaireDrug and Alcohol Dependence, 2010
- Mystical-type experiences occasioned by psilocybin mediate the attribution of personal meaning and spiritual significance 14 months laterJournal of Psychopharmacology, 2008
- Human Research and Data Collection via the InternetAnnual Review of Psychology, 2004
- The Psychology of Religion and Spirituality? Yes and NoThe International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, 1999
- Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis: Conventional criteria versus new alternativesStructural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 1999
- Review of the Satisfaction With Life Scale.Psychological Assessment, 1993
- Alternative Ways of Assessing Model FitSociological Methods & Research, 1992
- Eliciting Mystical States of Consciousness with Semistructured Nature ExperiencesJournal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 1977