So Hum – I Am That Scale: Illuminating Existential Interconnectedness
Conference Year
2024
Abstract
Indigenous wisdom integrates the microcosm (individual) with the macrocosm (universe), embodied by the Sanskrit mantra "So Hum" (meaning "I am That"). This study introduces the development of the So Hum - I Am That Scale, measuring the extent to which people feel existentially interconnected. This scale could help illuminate the mechanisms underlying the benefits of meditation and psychedelic therapy. Exploratory factor analysis extracted an 8-item So Hum scale (α = 0.90) . Validation involved comparison to established measures, affirming the uniqueness of the So Hum Scale. Future research will explore its implications for meditation, awe, psychedelic therapy, loneliness, and existential isolation.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Elizabeth Pinel
Graduate Student Mentors
Natalie Fuchs
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Arts and Sciences
Program/Major
Psychological Science
Primary Research Category
Social Science
So Hum – I Am That Scale: Illuminating Existential Interconnectedness
Indigenous wisdom integrates the microcosm (individual) with the macrocosm (universe), embodied by the Sanskrit mantra "So Hum" (meaning "I am That"). This study introduces the development of the So Hum - I Am That Scale, measuring the extent to which people feel existentially interconnected. This scale could help illuminate the mechanisms underlying the benefits of meditation and psychedelic therapy. Exploratory factor analysis extracted an 8-item So Hum scale (α = 0.90) . Validation involved comparison to established measures, affirming the uniqueness of the So Hum Scale. Future research will explore its implications for meditation, awe, psychedelic therapy, loneliness, and existential isolation.