Mystical experience and emotional wellbeing: a study among Australian church leaders

ABSTRACT

The psychological and pathological correlates of mystical experience have been debated since the early days of the psychology of religion. In the present study the association between mystical experience and emotional wellbeing was tested among 1,266 Australian church leaders who completed the Eysenck Neuroticism Scale alongside the Francis-Louden Mystical Orientation Scale. No significant correlation was reported between the two variables.

KEYWORDS:

• Mysticism
• emotional wellbeing
• psychology of religion
• clergy

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Leslie J. Francis

Leslie J. Francis is Professor of Religions and Psychology at the University of Warwick, England.

Ruth Powell

Ruth Powell is Director of the National Church Life Survey and affiliated to Charles Sturt University, Australia.

Andrew Village

Andrew Village is Professor of Practical and Empirical Theology at York St John University, England.