The Mind Under Mysticism

Mystical experiences and esoteric belief systems influence cognition, emotion regulation, identity formation, and mental health. Historical marginalization of esotericism has shaped how individuals validate their mystical experiences. Mystical traditions serve as symbolic frameworks for making sense of existential questions. The social environment reinforces mystical experiences. The chapter argues that mystical participation operates through psychological processes affecting wellbeing, personal growth, and meaning-making.

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Abstract

This chapter explores mystical experiences and esoteric belief systems by examining their influences in terms of cognition, emotion regulation, identity formation, and mental health. It also traces how historical marginalization of esotericism shaped thought processes through which individuals validate their mystical experiences. Within this context, mystical traditions are addressed as symbolic frameworks that individuals use to make sense of the world in terms of existential questions. Along with the mental health implications, the social environment's role in reinforcing mystical experiences is also discussed. Overall, the chapter demonstrates how mystical participation operates through psychological processes that influence wellbeing, personal growth, and meaning-making.