A novel ego dissolution scale: A construct validation study

Feb 10, 2023Consciousness and cognition

A new scale measuring feelings of losing self-identity: validation study

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Abstract

The 10-item Ego Dissolution Scale (EDS) demonstrated strong internal consistency with a Cronbach's α of 0.80.

Ego dissolution is characterized by a diminished sense of self and lack of first-person experience.
The Ego-Loss subfactor of the EDS had a Cronbach's α of 0.84, indicating high reliability.
The Unity subfactor showed a Cronbach's α of 0.75, also reflecting internal consistency.
The scale exhibited strong convergent validity with measures of depersonalization, derealization, and mysticism.
Ego dissolution and dissociation are statistically related but can be distinguished from one another.

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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.

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A novel ego dissolution scale: A construct validation study

Abstract

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