An exploration of mystical experiences through life histories
cIRcle (University of British Columbia) January 1, 2009 DOI: 10.14288/1.0054093 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMystical experiences are deeply woven into the fabric of individuals' life histories, making holistic research methods essential for understanding their meaning. In a qualitative study of three people in their fifties, each with a relevant mystical experience, intensive interviews were analyzed as individual stories and a common narrative. The findings indicate that these phenomena are intimate to the lives as lived, challenging traditional approaches focused on generalization. The work suggests that counselors can benefit from a narrative, contextual approach to help clients integrate such experiences meaningfully.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Multiple case study within narrative methodology Qualitative Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 3 |
| Population | Three individuals (one woman, two men) in their fifties with appropriate mystical experiences |
| Topics | Mysticism |
| Keywords | History Psychology Epistemology Aesthetics |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key finding | Mystical phenomena are intimate to the lives as lived, making a holistic research approach indispensable for investigating their meaning. |
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning of mystical experiences within the context of life histories. Existing research has primarily employed traditional methods in its concern for codification, regularization, and generalization. Qualitative methodologies have received little attention. The aim of this study was to contribute to existing research by a holistic, contextual understanding of mystical phenomena and to inform counsellors in their efforts to help clients in the meaningful integration of these experiences. This thesis employed a multiple case study approach within narrative methodology. Three individuals, one woman and two men, all in their fifties and with appropriate mystical experiences were identified through a network of acquaintances and invited to participate. Intensive interviews were conducted, transcribed, analyzed, and presented as âstraightenedâ individual stories. Cochranâs (1990) discovery of four natural phases toward a unified dramatic composition provided an important framework for analysis. Each story was validated by the respective participant. In addition, a summary analysis or common story was constructed of the individual accounts. Findings indicate that the mystical phenomena were intimate to the very lives as lived, making a holistic research approach indispensable for the investigation of meaning.