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Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ-30)
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About Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ-30)
Scale Name
Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ-30)
Author Details
Katherine A. MacLean, Matthew W. Johnson, and Roland R. Griffiths
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ-30) is a psychometric instrument designed to assess the subjective characteristics and intensity of mystical-type experiences. These experiences are typically described as profound states of consciousness involving a sense of unity, transcendence, sacredness, and deeply felt positive emotions. Historically rooted in the work of scholars such as William James and later operationalized in empirical psychology, mystical experiences have been increasingly studied within both religious and clinical contexts.
The revised 30-item version (MEQ-30) was developed to provide a more refined and empirically validated measure of these phenomena. It emerged from earlier versions of the questionnaire used in psychedelic research and was structured through factor analytic methods to capture four core domains: mystical qualities (e.g., unity and sacredness), positive mood, transcendence of time and space, and ineffability. This refinement improved its utility in both experimental and applied psychological research.
The MEQ-30 is widely utilized in contemporary studies examining altered states of consciousness, particularly in research involving meditation, spiritual practices, and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Its application has been especially prominent in clinical trials exploring the therapeutic potential of substances such as psilocybin, where mystical-type experiences have been associated with meaningful and sustained psychological outcomes, including reductions in depression, anxiety, and existential distress.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the Official Copy: Access the MEQ-30 through authorized academic publications or directly from the original research articles by the developers.
- Explain the Purpose: Inform respondents that the questionnaire assesses subjective experiences related to altered or profound states of consciousness.
- Provide Instructions: Ask participants to respond based on a specific, personally meaningful experience, typically their most intense or significant mystical-type experience.
- Time Required: The questionnaire generally takes approximately 10–15 minutes to complete.
- Administer the Scale: The MEQ-30 can be administered in research, clinical, or experimental settings by trained professionals, ensuring ethical considerations such as informed consent and psychological safety are maintained.
Reliability and Validity
The MEQ-30 demonstrates strong psychometric properties as supported by empirical research. Factor analytic studies have consistently identified a stable four-factor structure representing key dimensions of mystical experience. Internal consistency across these domains is generally reported as high, indicating that the items reliably measure coherent constructs.
Test–retest reliability has been explored in controlled research settings, suggesting reasonable temporal stability when individuals report on a specific experience. Construct validity is supported by the scale’s alignment with established theoretical frameworks of mystical experience, including classical descriptions from the psychology of religion.
Criterion validity is evidenced through its ability to distinguish between varying intensities of altered states, particularly in experimental studies involving psychedelic substances. The MEQ-30 has also shown predictive utility, as higher scores are often associated with positive long-term psychological outcomes in clinical research.
Available Versions
30-Items
Reference
MacLean, K. A., Johnson, M. W., & Griffiths, R. R. (2012). Factor analysis of the Mystical Experience Questionnaire: A study of experiences occasioned by the hallucinogen psilocybin. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 51(4), 721–737.
Griffiths, R. R., Richards, W. A., McCann, U., & Jesse, R. (2006). Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance. Psychopharmacology, 187(3), 268–283.
Barrett, F. S., Johnson, M. W., & Griffiths, R. R. (2015). Validation of the revised Mystical Experience Questionnaire in experimental sessions with psilocybin. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 29(11), 1182–1190.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the MEQ-30 measure?
It assesses the intensity and characteristics of mystical-type experiences, including unity, transcendence, and positive emotional states.
Who can use the MEQ-30?
It is primarily used by researchers and clinicians in psychology, psychiatry, and consciousness studies.
Is the MEQ-30 used in clinical settings?
Yes, particularly in research related to psychedelic-assisted therapy and studies of spiritual or meditative experiences.
Can the MEQ-30 diagnose mental disorders?
No, it is not a diagnostic tool; it is used for assessment and research purposes only.
How long does it take to complete?
It typically requires about 10–15 minutes.
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