Abstract
Aims: The Mystical Experiences Questionnaire (MEQ) was previously developed to evaluate discrete mystical-type experiences occasioned by the classic hallucinogen psilocybin. The 30-item revised MEQ (MEQ30) was previously psychometrically validated through factor analysis of retrospective accounts of profound experiences with psilocybin-containing mushrooms. We psychometrically validated the MEQ30 using data from experimental laboratory studies with controlled doses of psilocybin. Methods: We applied confirmatory factor analysis to MEQ30 responses provided immediately after moderate/high oral psilocybin dose (≥20mg/70kg) sessions (n=184) from five laboratory experiments. We used structural equation modeling to regress MEQ30 factor scores on the rated intensity of drug effects and ratings provided 3–8 weeks post-session of persisting effects attributed to the moderate to high dose psilocybin session. Results: Confirmatory factor analyses support the reliability and internal validity of the MEQ30. Structural equation models demonstrate the external and convergent validity of the MEQ30 by showing that latent variable scores on the MEQ30 positively predict persisting change in attitudes, behavior, and well-being attributed to experiences with psilocybin while controlling for the contribution of the participant-rated intensity of drug effects. Conclusions: Validation of the MEQ30 in experimental data constitutes an important step in developing this questionnaire instrument for use in pharmacological studies of mysticaltype experiences. Further experimental work should validate the MEQ30 in studies of mystical-type experiences encountered through other means. On the basis of our findings, we recommend use of the MEQ30 for future investigations of individual episodes of mystical-type experiences. Financial support: NIH T32DA007209, R01DA003889, the Heffter Research Institute, and the Council on Spiritual Practices.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
