A cross-sectional survey on depersonalization/derealization and meditation-induced alterations of the self.
Erola Pons, Julieta Galante, Nicholas T. van Dam, Axel Lindner
Scientific Reports May 8, 2026 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-51014-y (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional study Preregistered Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 121 |
| Population | Adults who had experienced DPDR-like states triggered through meditation or other triggers |
| Topics | Ego dissolution Meditation |
| Keywords | Depersonalization Derealization Mental health Sense of self |
| Key findings | Meditation can induce states phenomenologically similar to DPDR, but these are experienced as more positive, welcome, and spiritually meaningful than those triggered by trauma, stress, or cannabis, though distress is not uncommon. |
Abstract
Depersonalization/derealization (DPDR) involves feeling detached from one's body, thoughts, or emotions and is often triggered by trauma, stress, mental health issues, or drug use, typically causing high distress. Similar experiences are also reported in meditation contexts, where they are often described as positive, insightful, and meaningful. However, no study has systematically compared DPDR-like experiences across these contexts. This preregistered, cross-sectional study addresses this gap. Participants who had experienced DPDR-like states triggered through meditation (MEDT, n = 60) or through other triggers (NMEDT, n = 61) completed five questionnaires and provided additional information about their DPDR experience and meditation practice. The two groups significantly differed on all questionnaires except the Cambridge Depersonalisation Scale, including its subscales covering different DPDR aspects. The MEDT group rated their experiences as substantially more positive than NMEDT, though most participants in both groups described them as mixed. In MEDT, these experiences were reported across meditation types and experience levels. Overall, meditation can induce states phenomenologically similar to DPDR, but these are often experienced as more welcome, pleasant, and spiritually meaningful than those triggered by trauma, stress, or cannabis, although distress is not uncommon. These findings suggest contemplative approaches may inform clinical support for DPDR, while highlighting the need for recognition and guidance within meditation settings.
In the evidence
This study is part of the evidence base for a synthesis in the library. Here is how each one recorded it.
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Meditation-induced DPDR-like states were phenomenologically similar to other triggers but rated more positive, welcome, and spiritually meaningful, though distress was not uncommon.
Synthesized
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Experienced meditators and nonmeditating comparison groups | 2008 | Cross-sectional study | |
| Neural Correlates of Dispositional Mindfulness During Affect Labeling Adult participants | 2007 | Observational cross-sectional | n = 27 |
| Assessing mindfulness in children and adolescents: Development and validation of the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM). School-aged children and adolescents | 2011 | Cross-sectional validation study | n = 1,413 |
| Mindfulness and self-compassion as predictors of psychological wellbeing in long-term meditators and matched nonmeditators Experienced meditators and demographically matched nonmeditators | 2012 | Cross-sectional study | n = 152 |
| Mechanisms of Action in the Inverse Relationship Between Mindfulness and Psychological Distress Undergraduates | 2008 | Cross-sectional, correlational |
Citations in the library
Cites 28
- How Does Mindfulness Meditation Work? Proposing Mechanisms of Action From a Conceptual and Neural Perspective Perspectives on Psychological Science October 14, 2011
- Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Assessment February 29, 2008
- Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences November 23, 2011
- Attending to the present: mindfulness meditation reveals distinct neural modes of self-reference Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience August 13, 2007
- Investigating the phenomenological matrix of mindfulness-related practices from a neurocognitive perspective. American Psychologist October 1, 2015
and 23 more in the library