An exploration of mystical experiences through life histories
Thomas Johannes Biela
cIRcle (University of British Columbia) 2009 DOI: 10.14288/1.0054093 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Multiple case study within narrative methodology Qualitative Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 3 |
| Population | Three individuals (one woman, two men) in their fifties with appropriate mystical experiences |
| Topics | Mysticism Mystical experience |
| Keywords | Epistemology Aesthetics Theology |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Mystical phenomena are intimate to the lives as lived, making a holistic research approach indispensable for investigating their meaning. |
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning of mystical experiences within the context of life histories. Existing research has primarily employed traditional methods in its concern for codification, regularization, and generalization. Qualitative methodologies have received little attention. The aim of this study was to contribute to existing research by a holistic, contextual understanding of mystical phenomena and to inform counsellors in their efforts to help clients in the meaningful integration of these experiences. This thesis employed a multiple case study approach within narrative methodology. Three individuals, one woman and two men, all in their fifties and with appropriate mystical experiences were identified through a network of acquaintances and invited to participate. Intensive interviews were conducted, transcribed, analyzed, and presented as âstraightenedâ individual stories. Cochranâs (1990) discovery of four natural phases toward a unified dramatic composition provided an important framework for analysis. Each story was validated by the respective participant. In addition, a summary analysis or common story was constructed of the individual accounts. Findings indicate that the mystical phenomena were intimate to the very lives as lived, making a holistic research approach indispensable for the investigation of meaning.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on mystical experience, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| This is your brain on death: a comparative analysis of a near-death experience and subsequent 5-Methoxy-DMT experience. An individual who had a near-death experience during a coma caused by bacterial... | 2023 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Immersion, Absorption, and Spiritual Experience: Some Preliminary Findings. Female participants scoring high and low on the Absorption Scale | 2020 | Case study | n = 4 |
| The Bad Seed: Mystical Experience and Time Travel in the Treatment of Psychopathy A psychopathic personality | 2023 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Mystical Experiences as Catalysts in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy: A Case Study Patient with generalized anxiety disorder and migraines | 2026 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Neural effects and phenomenology of nondual meditation and 5-MeO-DMT in an expert meditation practitioner Advanced meditator and Lama from the Mahāmudrā meditation tradition | 2025 | Case study | n = 1 |