A Cross-Sectional Survey on Depersonalization/Derealization and Meditation-Induced Alterations of the Self

Meditation can trigger states phenomenologically similar to depersonalization/derealization (DPDR), but these experiences are typically rated as more positive, welcome, and spiritually meaningful than DPDR triggered by trauma, stress, or cannabis. In a cross-sectional survey comparing 60 people whose DPDR-like experiences came from meditation with 61 whose came from other triggers, the two groups scored similarly on the Cambridge Depersonalisation Scale but differed on measures of mysticism, ego dissolution, challenging experiences, and mindfulness. Most participants in both groups described their experiences as mixed, yet the meditation group rated them as much more positive. The findings suggest that contemplative approaches could inform clinical support for DPDR and that guidance is needed within meditation settings.

Study at a glance

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Depersonalization/derealization (DPDR) involves feeling detached from one’s body, thoughts, or emotions. These symptoms are often triggered by trauma, stress, mental health issues, or drug use, and tend to be highly distressing. While similar experiences can also arise from meditation, anecdotal reports refer to them as positive, insightful, and meaningful. However, no study has systematically compared them across contexts. This preregistered study does so by examining DPDR-like experiences from meditation versus other triggers.METHODS: In this cross-sectional survey, participants who had experienced DPDR-like states through meditation (MED, n = 60) or other triggers (NMED, n = 61) completed five questionnaires: the Cambridge Depersonalisation Scale (CDS), Mysticism Scale (MS), Ego Dissolution Inventory (EDI), Challenging Experience Questionnaire (CEQ), and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). They also rated the emotional valence of their experiences and described their meditation practice.RESULTS: The two groups significantly differed on all questionnaires except the CDS, including its subscales covering different DPDR aspects. The MED group also rated their experiences as much more positive than NMED, though most in both groups described them as mixed. These experiences were reported across any meditation type and experience level.CONCLUSIONS: Meditation can trigger states highly similar to DPDR in phenomenology, but they’re often considered more welcome, pleasant, and spiritually meaningful than those triggered by trauma, stress, or cannabis—though distress is not uncommon in the meditation context. The findings suggest that contemplative approaches could inform clinical support for DPDR, while also underscoring the need for recognition and guidance within meditation settings.