A new self-report questionnaire, the OCEANic scale, was developed to measure individual dispositions toward oceanic feelings—affective sensations of self-dissolution, unity, and transcendence. In a sample of 626 participants, confirmatory factor analysis supported a two-factor model (positive and negative oceanic feelings) with an overall factor, showing excellent fit. The scale demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.82 to 0.88) and correlated plausibly with measures of primary emotions (ANGER, FEAR, CARE, SEEK, PLAY, SADNESS, LUST) and Big Five personality traits. The instrument enables operationalization of oceanic feelings for future research on affective life and spirituality.
Oceanic feelings—experiences of boundlessness, unity, or fragmentation—can foster spiritual experiences but also contribute to psychosis proneness. In a survey of 480 non-clinical adults, positive oceanic feelings were strongly linked to increased connectedness and general religiosity, while negative oceanic feelings showed weak to moderate associations with schizotypy and personality organization. Personality organization fully mediated the relationship between negative oceanic feelings and both schizotypy and general religiosity, and partially mediated the link with connectedness. Positive oceanic feelings enhanced religiosity and connectedness independently of personality organization. Strengthening personality organization may protect against destabilizing effects of negative oceanic experiences, informing psychotherapy and spiritual counseling.