Initial Psychometric Validation of the Meta Self Scale (MSS): A Measure of Integrated Transcendent Identity and Agency
Open MIND June 22, 2026 DOI: 10.23668/psycharchives.22220 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey Preregistered Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1,652 |
| Population | Predominantly female adults recruited online |
| Duration | Single-session online survey |
| Keywords | Discriminant validity Confirmatory factor analysis Scale ratio Generalizability theory Psychometrics Operationalization Structural equation modeling Identity music Test validity Convergent validity Self-concept Construct validity Cronbach's alpha Existentialism Conceptualization Sample material Diener Loneliness Developmental psychology |
| Key findings | The Meta Self Scale reliably measures integrated transcendent identity as a single dimension, with facets of ego dissolution, expanded identity, unity, and agency cohering together and relating to greater agency and lower narcissistic rivalry. |
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.