Introduction
Mystical experiences, characterized by profound feelings of unity, transcendence, and altered states of consciousness, have long been subjects of interest in both religious studies and psychology. These experiences can significantly impact individuals' worldviews and life perspectives, often associated with lasting changes in attitudes, behaviors, and personal well-being. Given the complexity and subjective nature of these experiences, quantifying them presents a considerable challenge.
The Revised Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ-30) was developed to address this need by providing a systematic and empirical method of assessment. The MEQ-30, an adaptation of earlier versions of the questionnaire, focuses on the core components of mystical experiences as identified in psychological literature. It assesses these experiences across four primary dimensions: mystical, positive mood, transcendence of time and space, and ineffability.
The questionnaire is comprised of 30 items which respondents rate based on their most intense mystical experience, regardless of the context in which it occurred—be it spontaneous, induced by meditation, or facilitated by psychedelic substances. Each item aims to capture the essence and intensity of these dimensions, asking participants to reflect on their experiences of unity with the ultimate reality, feelings of ecstasy and peace, perceptions of timelessness, and the indescribable nature of their experience.
Widely utilized in clinical research, particularly in studies exploring the therapeutic applications of psychedelic drugs, the MEQ-30 has proven valuable. It helps quantify changes in consciousness that can lead to significant psychological shifts and improvements in mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The validation of the MEQ-30 through empirical studies underscores its reliability and the relevance of mystical experiences in psychological research and practice.
The Revised Mystical Experience Questionnaire serves as a critical tool in the scientific study of mystical experiences. It allows researchers and clinicians to quantitatively assess these profound phenomena and better understand their potential therapeutic benefits. As interest in the psychological implications of mystical experiences grows, instruments like the MEQ-30 are indispensable for advancing our knowledge and application of these extraordinary states of consciousness.
InstructionsLooking back on the entirety of your psilocybin session, please rate the degree to which at any time during that session you experienced the following phenomena. Answer each question according to your feelings, thoughts, and experiences at the time of the psilocybin session. In making each of your ratings, use the following scale:
- 0 — none (not at all)
- 1 — so slight cannot decide
- 2 — slight
- 3 — moderate
- 4 — strong (equivalent in degree to any other strong experience)
- 5 — extreme (more than any other time in my life and stronger than 4)
Sources
- Maclean KA. Factor Analysis of the Mystical Experience Questionnaire: A Study of Experiences Occasioned by the Hallucinogen Psilocybin. J Sci Study Relig (4):721-737 ().