A Longitudinal Case Study: The Development of Exceptional Human Experiences of Senior Ecclesiastical Professionals in the Catholic Church.
Claude‐Hélène Mayer, Rian Viviers, Aden-Paul Flotman, Detlef Schneider-Stengel
Journal of Religion and Health December 1, 2016 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-016-0212-0 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Longitudinal study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Senior professionals in the German Catholic Church |
| Measures | EEQ |
| Keywords | Humans Longitudinal studies Life change events Spirituality Catholicism Adult Middle aged Germany Female Surveys and questionnaires Training Exceptional human experiences German catholic church Interculture |
| Key findings | The study reports an increase in the frequency of positive spiritual experiences and visionary dream encounters, and a more positive evaluation of these spiritual phenomena, from pre- to post-test. The authors suggest that training interventions may raise awareness of spiritual practices and enhance intercultural and interreligious competence. |
Abstract
Exceptional human experiences (EHEs) impact on health and well-being and can contribute to enhanced intercultural and interreligious awareness and understanding. The aim of this longitudinal study was to explore the development of EHEs in a group of senior professionals in the German Catholic Church. Exceptional human experiences were measured through the EEQ in pre- and post-test questionnaires which were qualitatively analysed. The results of this study reflect an increase in the frequency of positive spiritual experiences and visionary dream encounters, as well as a more positive evaluation of these spiritual phenomena. The findings seem to suggest that it is possible to raise people's awareness of spiritual practices and to enhance intercultural and interreligious competence through training interventions.
Citations in the library
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and 1 more in the library