What is the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ)?

The MEQ is a research instrument designed to measure the occurrence and characteristics of mystical experiences, including feelings of unity, transcendence of time and space, ineffability, and sacredness.

Who developed it and when?

Originally developed by Walter Pahnke in the 1960s and later refined by researchers including Roland Griffiths and colleagues at Johns Hopkins University.

What type of assessment is it?

Self-report questionnaire with rating scales for mystical experience characteristics.

What does it assess?

• Unity: Feelings of oneness with the universe or divine
• Transcendence: Going beyond ordinary time and space
• Ineffability: Difficulty describing the experience in words
• Sacredness: Feelings of reverence and holiness
• Positive Mood: Joy, peace, and love during experience
• Noetic Quality: Sense of gaining profound knowledge or insight

How many items and what format?

20 items rated on intensity scales, focusing on the most significant mystical experience the person has had.

How is it scored?

Items are scored across multiple dimensions of mystical experience, with higher scores indicating more intense mystical experiences.