Adaptation and latent structure of the Brazilian version of the Ego Dissolution Inventory (EDI-BR): an exploratory study

Summary

This study adapted a psychological assessment tool called the Ego Dissolution Inventory for use in Brazil. Ego dissolution refers to the profound sense of losing one’s sense of self that people experience when using psychedelics like psilocybin mushrooms and LSD. The researchers found that the adapted Brazilian version works well and identifies three dimensions of the experience: confidence/assertiveness, ego dissolution, and ego inflation. This validated tool can now help researchers in Brazil better understand psychedelic experiences and their potential therapeutic benefits.

Background

Existing scales measuring alterations in self-experience were developed in developed countries. Ego dissolution is a central feature of psychedelic experiences and relevant to understanding consciousness and therapeutic outcomes. There is a gap in validated measures for measuring ego dissolution in developing regions with traditional psychedelic use.

Objective

To translate and adapt the Ego Dissolution Inventory (EDI) for the Brazilian context and evaluate its psychometric properties. The study aimed to assess whether the factor structure would replicate the original two-factor model (ego dissolution and ego inflation) in a developing country population.

Results

The EDI-BR showed excellent internal consistency (α=0.95) and very good sampling adequacy (KMO=0.905). Factor analyses indicated a three-factor solution (Kaiser-Guttman and Hull method) or two-factor solution (parallel analysis). All items showed salient loadings with weak to moderate positive correlations between factors and nature relatedness, but no significant correlation with life satisfaction.

Conclusion

The EDI-BR demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties and solid evidence for validity. A three-factor solution is recommended for Brazil comprising self-confidence/assertiveness, ego dissolution, and ego inflation domains. Further validation studies comparing scores across substances and regions are recommended.
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