Age differences in mystical experience

Gerontologist. 1993 Aug;33(4):507-13. doi: 10.1093/geront/33.4.507.

Abstract

Age differences are examined in reports of deja vu, ESP, clairvoyance, spiritualism, and numinous experience. According to the 1988 General Social Survey (N = 1481), these mystical experiences are somewhat more common now than in 1973, and deja vu, clairvoyance, and a composite mysticism score have increased with successively younger age cohorts. Further, private and subjective religiosity are positively related to overall mystical experience, while organizational religiosity is inversely related.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aging / psychology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Data Collection
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mysticism*
  • Parapsychology*
  • Random Allocation
  • Religion and Psychology*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Spiritualism*
  • United States