A novel ego dissolution scale: A construct validation study.
Fiona G Sleight, Steven Jay Lynn, Richard E Mattson, Charlie W Mcdonald
Consciousness and cognition March 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2023.103474 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA new 10-item Ego Dissolution Scale (EDS) reliably measures trait-like tendencies toward losing one's sense of self and experiencing unity, with internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.80) and subfactors for Ego-Loss (α = 0.84) and Unity (α = 0.75). The scale shows strong convergent validity with depersonalization, derealization, mysticism, and unusual experiences, and discriminant validity against neuroticism and social desirability. Ego dissolution and dissociation are empirically related but statistically distinguishable.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Scale development and validation study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Ego dissolution |
| Keywords | Dissociation Ego disintegration Mystical experiences |
| Citations | 16 |
| Key finding | The Ego Dissolution Scale is a valid, internally consistent measure of trait-like ego dissolution, with subfactors of Ego-Loss and Unity, and is empirically distinct from dissociation. |
Abstract
Ego dissolution (i.e., ego loss, ego disintegration, ego death, or self-loss) is a conscious state marked by a loss or diminution of one's sense of self and a lack of first-person experience. We developed a novel, valid, and internally consistent ego dissolution scale to both (a) assess trait-like aspects of ego dissolution, which have received scant attention to date, and (b) facilitate future research in a variety of contexts (e.g., personality, psychopathology, substance use/psychedelics, contemplative practices). We determined that the 10-item Ego Dissolution Scale (EDS; Cronbach's α = 0.80) and its identified subfactors of Ego-Loss (Cronbach's α = 0.84) and Unity (Cronbach's α = 0.75) were internally consistent, possessed strong convergent (e.g., depersonalization/derealization, mysticism, unusual experiences) and discriminant validity (e.g., neuroticism, social desirability). We found ego dissolution and dissociation to be empirically related yet discriminable on a statistical basis.