The Relationship of Life-Changing Spiritual Experiences to Current Religious/Spiritual Attitudes and Practices: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Positive life changes may be associated with spiritual/religious sources. This pilot study tested religiousness/spirituality in adults (N = 77; 21% men; Mage = 39.45, SD = 11.97 years) who answered demographic questions and completed the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality. Respondents who reported a major life-changing spiritual experience (72.7%) were compared to those who did not (27.3%). The former scored higher (p < .05) on all measures and had a higher proportion of religious (p = .04) and spiritual (p < .001) identity. At the same time, no differences in age, gender, education, or urban vs. rural location emerged. Among those who had experienced a significant life change, 42.9% had such experiences when they were 18 years or younger. Most (83.4%) were committed spiritually and attended religious services once or more weekly. The age at which the life-changing experience occurred correlated strongly (r = .70) with the strengthening of religious/spiritual practices. The results suggest that life-changing spiritual experiences fuel religious/spiritual attitudes and behaviors and that their impact may be more profound if experienced at a younger age.