Initial Psychometric Validation of the Meta Self Scale (MSS): A Measure of Integrated Transcendent Identity and Agency

A new 16-item questionnaire, the Meta Self Scale (MSS), measures integrated transcendent identity—a form of self-expansion that preserves or strengthens personal agency, rather than merely dissolving ego boundaries. In a large online survey of 1,652 predominantly female adults, the MSS showed good internal consistency and a four-factor structure (Ego-Self Dissolution, Expanded Identity, Unity, Agency) that largely reflects one overarching dimension. Convergent validity was supported: the MSS Unity facet correlated with existing measures of unity (r = .66) and inversely with existential loneliness (r = −.49), and Agency correlated with mastery (r = .64). Transcendence dimensions positively predicted agency, while ego-loss did not show the expected negative relation; the MSS also related negatively to narcissistic rivalry. The scale is best scored as a single total score pending further refinement.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Background. Measures of self-transcendence and ego-dissolution typically operationalize transcendence as an attenuation or loosening of ordinary self-boundaries, and less often distinguish passive self-loss from integrated forms of identity expansion that may preserve or strengthen agency. Objective. We introduce and evaluate the Meta Self Scale (MSS), a 16-item measure of integrated transcendent identity spanning four hypothesized content domains: Ego-Self Dissolution, Expanded Identity, Unity, and Agency. Method. In a preregistered, single-session online survey, a construct-relevant, predominantly female sample (N = 1,652 after exclusions) completed the MSS alongside the Ego Dissolution Scale (EDS), the Brief Scale of Existential Loneliness, the Pearlin Mastery Scale, and the Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry Questionnaire–Short. Results. Internal consistency was good (total α = .92; ω ≈ α). Confirmatory factor analysis (robust maximum likelihood) supported the four hypothesized facets as the best-fitting model and met all preregistered fit thresholds (CFI = .93, RMSEA = .075, SRMR = .04), but a bifactor decomposition showed that these facets are largely expressions of one dominant general dimension (ECV = .70, ωH = .86) with limited facet-specific reliability — so the MSS is best scored as a single total rather than as four independent subscales. Convergent and discriminant validity were supported: MSS Dissolution correlated with EDS Ego-Loss (r = .53), Unity with EDS Unity (r = .66) and inversely with existential loneliness (r = −.49), and Agency with mastery (r = .64). Transcendence dimensions positively predicted agency, whereas ego-loss did not show its predicted negative relation; the MSS related negatively to narcissistic rivalry. The structural findings were robust to common-method and split-half cross-validation checks, and metric and scalar measurement invariance held across familiarity and age groups. Conclusions. The MSS is a reliable measure of integrated transcendent identity. Ego attenuation, expanded identity, unity, and agency cohere as one configuration, related to greater rather than diminished agency and to lower narcissistic rivalry; the facets are descriptive pending item refinement and replication in diverse samples.