Development and validation of the higher consciousness scale (HC-18): A new and integrated measure of transcendent experiences

Transcendent experiences such as mystical, near-death, and Kundalini events share overlapping phenomenology and aftereffects, yet existing theories and scales do not explain this overlap. A global online survey of 630 participants psychometrically tested a framework proposing a common mechanism, including a peak experience called higher consciousness. Factor analysis showed that a broad range of transcendent experiences loaded strongly onto a single latent construct. A new scale measuring higher consciousness demonstrated good consistency and validity, with factors including unity-consciousness, bliss, insight, somatic energy sensations, and luminosity. A predictive model accurately classified high-intensity experiencers, and selflessness was a key predictor. The findings suggest that diverse transcendent experiences may share a common underlying mechanism, with higher consciousness primarily identified by unity-consciousness.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Transcendent experiences such as mystical, near-death, and Kundalini overlap in their phenomenology and aftereffects. Current theories and psychometric scales offer little explanation for the overlap. This study psychometrically tests an explanatory framework hypothesizing a common mechanism underlying transcendent experiences, including a peak experience called higher consciousness. A scale measuring higher consciousness is developed, validated, and used to identify related experiences. A global online survey of transcendent experiences and their effects was administered (n = 630). Factor analysis, essential unidimensionality assessments, and cross-validation were used to examine the common variance of transcendent experiences, and to develop a scale measuring higher consciousness. Regularized Multiple Indicators, Multiple Causes (MIMIC) was used to identify experiences related to higher consciousness. Cluster analysis and decision trees were used for subject-wise classification. A broad range of transcendent experiences loaded strongly onto a single latent construct. The higher consciousness scale demonstrated good consistency, generalizability, and validity. Scale factors included unity-consciousness, bliss, insight, somatic energy sensations, and luminosity. A predictive model accurately classified high-intensity higher consciousness experiencers. Psychological and physical statistical predictors of higher consciousness were identified, including experiences of selflessness. A novel method with broad applicability is introduced to regularize out-of-sample structural equation modeling predictions, improving accuracy. The findings demonstrate that transcendent experiences, though diverse, might share a common underlying mechanism. Higher consciousness is identified primarily by a profound experience of unity-consciousness, with significant self-reported physical and psychological indications. The new higher consciousness scale lays the groundwork to study its predictors and understand its biological aspects.