Transpersonal experiences in childhood: an exploratory empirical study of selected adult groups.

A new questionnaire measures adults' recall of childhood and adolescent transpersonal experiences—mystical, out-of-body, lucid dreams, archetypal dreams, and ESP—alongside nightmares and night terrors. In two exploratory studies, adults with high estimated early transpersonal experiences and practicing meditators were compared with undergraduate controls. A cognitive skills/precocity model and a vulnerability of self model were tested using questionnaire categories, imaginative absorption, neuroticism, and visual-spatial skills. Results suggest support for both models, depending on the type of experience, the age of recall, and whether the adult meditates.

Study at a glance

Abstract

A questionnaire was developed to assess adult recall for a range of transpersonal experiences throughout childhood and adolescence (mystical experience, out-of-body experience, lucid dreams, archetypal dreams, ESP), as well as nightmares and night terrors as indicators of more conflicted, negative states. In two exploratory studies this questionnaire was administered to subjects with high estimated levels of early transpersonal experiences and practising meditators, with respective undergraduate controls. A cognitive skills/precocity model of early transpersonal experience was contrasted with a vulnerability of self model by comparisons of these groups on questionnaire categories, imaginative absorption, neuroticism, and visual-spatial skills, with some support found for both models depending on experience type, age of estimated recall, and adult meditative practice.