From Ego to Death: Validation of the Ego-Dissolution Scale (EDS)
July 27, 2022 Rebekah Senanayake
A survey of 207 people who used ayahuasca, DMT, LSD, or psilocybin identified six distinct dimensions of ego-dissolution: dissolving of identity, dissolving of the physical body, dissolving into the environment, experiences of eternity, clarity about life and purpose, and pleasure. Ayahuasca and DMT produced stronger ego-dissolution experiences than LSD and psilocybin, with the two groups differing significantly. All psychedelics provided new life insights and were pleasurable. Dosage did not significantly affect the experiences. The findings suggest that ego-dissolution is a multi-faceted phenomenon that existing narrow measures miss.