Inventory of Modes of Existential Awareness (IMEA): A new typology and a tool for assessing distinct self-transcendent and non-dual awareness states

ObjectivesSelf-transcendent and non-dual states of awareness are increasingly investigated in research on mechanisms underpinning contemplative practices and their mental health applications. This study presents a new typology of 15 such states, called in this framework ‘Modes of Existential Awareness’ (MEAs), and an initial validation of a new measure of MEAs - The Inventory of Modes of Existential Awareness (IMEA). MethodsThe IMEA consists of 15 brief scenarios, describing each of the MEAs, divided into three categories: positive, negative and incomplete MEAs. The scenarios are followed by questions about frequency of experiencing MEAs within and outside of meditation, and at will. Ninety-seven participants with meditation experience completed the IMEA together with a measure recording characteristics of their contemplative practice and established self-reports of decentering, psychological wellbeing, mindfulness, meditation depth and personality. ResultsMeditators experienced positive MEAs most frequently. Hours of meditation practice and retreat experience were significantly positively correlated with the majority of the positive MEAs. Positive MEAs were significantly more frequently experienced in meditation and negative MEAs outside of meditation. Most positive MEAs were significantly positively related to decentering, mindfulness, psychological wellbeing, meditation depth and conscientiousness (and negatively with neuroticism). The opposite pattern was observed for negative MEAs. There was a lack of consistent relationships with incomplete MEAs. ConclusionsThe IMEA is a new flexible measure that opens new opportunities for examining both the role of self-transcendent states in mechanisms underpinning meditation and their contribution to therapeutic effects of different contemplative practice types.