Construction of a ‘Beliefs about Exceptional Experiences Scale’ (BEES): Implications of preliminary findings in Aotearoa New Zealand

ABSTRACT

Exceptional Experiences (EEs) are highly prevalent among the general population and are often perceived as positive and meaningful spiritual occurrences. Several scales measuring experiences and beliefs relating to EEs have previously been developed, yet most are based exclusively on Western understandings and perspectives, thus introducing linguistic and conceptual biases. The goal of this study was to develop a valid measure of belief in EEs among the Aotearoa New Zealand population – a diverse multicultural society with two prominent ethnic groups, Māori (Indigenous peoples) and Pākehā (New Zealand European). A total of 39 items were developed through an intensive literature review and face-to-face interviews with 15 Māori participants, and subsequently piloted with 325 participants. Exploratory Factor Analyses (EFA) produced a three-factor 19-item solution, with excellent internal consistency. Preliminary findings indicate that Māori are significantly more likely to endorse EEs than Pākehā. Given that EEs can be interpreted as either spiritual, anomalous or even pathological according to cultural background, these findings have important implications for how EEs are addressed in the wider society and in mental health settings specifically.

KEYWORDS:

• Anomalous experiences
• exceptional human experiences
• spirituality
• Indigenous spirituality
• paranormal experiences

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 Comprised of a variety of ethnic and cultural groups including Indian, Malaysian, Niuean, Chinese, North American, Mexican, British, Cook Islands Māori, European and Samoan.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a Health Research Council of New Zealand Explorer Grant [19-792] awarded to the second author.

Notes on contributors

Nicole Lindsay

Nicole Lindsay PhD is a lecturer in the School of Psychology at Massey University. Her research interests include near-death experiences, exceptional human experiences, spirituality and holistic conceptions of wellbeing.

Natasha Tassell-Matamua

Natasha Tassell-Matamua PhD is an Associate Professor in the School of Psychology at Massey University. Her research interests include near-death experiences, exceptional experiences, spirituality, and Indigenous Psychologies.

Deanna Haami

Deanna Haami is a PhD candidate in the School of Psychology, Massey University, and served as a research assistant on aspects of this research.

Felicity Ware

Felicity Ware PhD is a senior lecturer in Māori health and wellbeing, at Te Pūtahi a Toi, School of Māori Knowledge, Massey University. Her research interests include Māori wellbeing and maternal health.

Hukarere Valentine

Hukarere Valentine DClin is a senior clinical psychologist in the School of Psychology, Massey University. She is the first Indigenous Māori woman to be awarded a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, and her research interests focus on wairua.

Pikihuia Pomare

Pikihuia Pomare DClin is a lecturer in the School of Psychology at Massey University. Her research interests include Māori mental health and mindfulness.