Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion

Factor analysis of the mystical experience questionnaire: A study of experiences occasioned by the hallucinogen psilocybin

Exploratory factor analysis of responses from 1,602 psilocybin users retained 30 items from the Mystical Experience Questionnaire and revealed a reliable four‑factor structure (unity/noetic/sacredness; positive mood; transcendence of time/space; ineffability), with convergent and construct validity and replication in an independent sample (N=440). These results provide initial evidence that the 30‑item MEQ is a valid, reliable tool for measuring single hallucinogen‑occasioned mystical experiences.

Published

December 4, 2012

Journal

Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion

Authors

MacLean, K. A., Leoutsakos, J. S., Johnson, M. W., Griffiths, R. R.