A Mixed Methods Exploratory Analysis of Gender, Gender Traits, and the Mystical Experience
Sequoia Gavin-McCabe
February 23, 2026 DOI: 10.26686/0qyp-n5ry (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Exploratory mixed-methods approach Qualitative |
|---|---|
| Topics | Mysticism Mystical experience |
| Keywords | Femininity Thematic analysis Exploratory research Feeling Masculinity Spirituality Qualitative research Popularity Snowball sampling Developmental psychology Conceptualization Exploratory analysis Shadow psychology Social connectedness |
| Key points | Femininity is best conceptualised as the absence of masculinity, and through this absence femininity and the mystical experience correlate. |
Abstract
A mystical experience typically includes feelings of unity and heightened connection, an enhanced positive mood, the sensation of transcending time and space, and ineffability. They are understood as both common, significantly impactful for individuals who have them and can occur under several circumstances. The rise of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy has seen an increased understanding of mystical experiences, with research showing that they can have enduring positive effects in a variety of psychiatric disorders. With the mystical experience gaining popularity in clinical settings, it is crucial that our understanding is whole: the vast majority of mystical experiences occur in non-clinical scenarios and, importantly, the effects of gender have been vastly under-researched. Studies show not only gender differences, but also differences based on femininity and masculinity. The current study sought to explore the interplay between gender, gender traits (femininity and masculinity) and the mystical experience through an exploratory mixed-methods approach. Using a network analysis, Study A found that heightened femininity during the mystical connected the gender and mystical communities, through the connectedness community. Through a thematic analysis, Study B found that participants viewed femininity as compatible with the mystical experience, but viewed typical masculine traits as a barrier. Together, these studies showed that femininity was best conceptualised as the absence of masculinity, and it is through this absence that femininity and the mystical experience correlate. These results suggest that femininity and masculinity play a significant role in the mystical experience at both a quantitative and qualitative level.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on mystical experience, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The nature of peak experience in wilderness. Participants who had visited wilderness areas in Victoria, Australia, recruited via a... | 2009 | Qualitative study | n = 39 |
| Qualitative and Quantitative Features of Music Reported to Support Peak Mystical Experiences during Psychedelic Therapy Sessions Individuals with extensive experience administering psilocybin or psilocybin-containing... | 2017 | Survey and qualitative/quantitative analysis | n = 10 |
| Cannabis as entheogen: survey and interview data on the spiritual use of cannabis. Participants recruited from seven online communities, median age 33, 81% male | 2020 | Mixed methods (qualitative interviews and quantitative survey) | n = 319 |
| Clarifying and measuring the characteristics of experiences that involve a loss of self or a dissolution of its boundaries. Adults who reported an experience involving dissolution of self-boundaries or loss of... | 2024 | Cross-sectional survey with confirmatory factor analysis and qualitative thematic analysis | n = 386 |
| The developmental impact of not integrating childhood peak experiences Adults recalling their childhood peak experiences | 2007 | Qualitative study | n = 12 |