Self, Other, and Higher Power: A “Relational Triad” Moderates Associations Between Mystical Experience and Mental Health
The international journal for the psychology of religion October 1, 2024 Joshua Lipson, Thomas Ford, Miles Beattie et al.
Among 763 U.S. adults, three distinct profiles emerged: Transcendent Wellness, Transcendent Struggle, and Non-Transcendent Wellness. The Transcendent Wellness profile showed higher belongingness, mindfulness, and lived/integrated spirituality than the Transcendent Struggle profile. Belongingness and mindfulness reduced the positive link between mystical experience and depression and anxiety symptoms. Lived/integrated spirituality also weakened this link, especially for anxiety. Conventional religiosity did not show the same moderating effects. The authors propose that relationally grounded spirituality—connection to others, self, and a higher power—supports processing and sense-making of mystical experiences.