Psycho-spiritual transformation after an exceptional human experience
N. Tassell-Matamua, K. Frewin
Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health June 8, 2018 DOI: 10.1080/19349637.2018.1481487 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 72 |
| Population | Adults who self-identified as having experienced an exceptional human experience (EHE) |
| Key findings | Among 72 people who reported an exceptional human experience, mystical/unitive experiences were the most commonly reported type. The authors report significantly positive associations between EHEs and spiritual growth and between EHEs and the presence of meaning in life, suggesting a link between these experiences and psycho-spiritual transformation. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT Increasingly reported in contemporary times, exceptional human experiences (EHEs) are unusual spontaneous occurrences deviating from common perceptions about the nature of reality. Previous literature attests to the transformative influence EHEs exert on those who have them, which can include feeling a greater sense of spirituality. Our study investigated the relationship between EHEs and psycho-spiritual transformation, in a sample of 72 participants who self-identified as having experienced an EHE. Mystical/unitive EHEs were most commonly reported by the sample, and significantly positive associations were evident between EHEs and the psycho-spiritual indicators of spiritual growth and presence of meaning in life.
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- The Monika Encounter: A Mixed Methods Study of a Techno-Based Ghostly Episode Spiritual Psychology and Counseling June 1, 2025
- The process of spiritual transformation to attain Nafs al-muṭmaʾinnah in Islamic psychology HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies June 3, 2024
- Near-death experiences: the mystical feeling of “crossing over” and its impact on faith and spirituality The Science of Religion, Spirituality, and Existentialism 2020
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