Exceptional Experiences and Spirituality: A New Measurement Approach
Exceptional experiences, including mystical experiences, near-death experiences, and other transformative events, have been reported across cultures and historical periods. This research develops a novel measurement approach that assesses both the frequency and personal valuation of exceptional experiences in relation to spirituality.
The new measurement instrument addresses limitations of existing scales by distinguishing between the occurrence of exceptional experiences and the personal meaning individuals assign to them. This dual assessment approach provides a more nuanced understanding of how exceptional experiences relate to spiritual development and wellbeing.
Validation studies demonstrate strong psychometric properties for the new instrument, including reliable factor structure, convergent and discriminant validity, and sensitivity to differences between populations with varying levels of contemplative practice and spiritual engagement.
This measurement innovation supports more precise investigation of the relationships between exceptional experiences, spiritual development, and health outcomes, advancing the evidence base for understanding consciousness and its role in healing.