doi 10.9769/EPJ.2018.10.2.DR
Delphine Rossi
Abstract
Mystical experience, defined in the literature as a wholly transformative event, can elicit positive and lasting changes in one’s perception of reality, forever changing one’s life meaning and purpose. This study was designed to explore the relationship between mystical experience and spiritual well-being in women who have had or have cancer. An opportunity sample of 70 participants completed the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Expanded Spiritual Well-Being (FACIT-Sp-Ex) scale, a multidimensional scale used in diverse cancer populations and the Index of Core Spiritual Experiences (INSPIRIT), measuring intrinsic spirituality and spiritual experience(s). Interviews were conducted to provide women an opportunity to share a mystical/spiritual experience. Findings revealed a significant, moderately strong positive relationship between mystical experience (INSPIRIT) and spiritual well-being (FACIT-Sp-Ex) scores: r (70) = 0.388, p < .001. All 70 women indicated having at least one type of mystical/spiritual experience. Additional results indicate a positive relationship between mystical experience and spiritual well-being among this study population.
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