| Tartalmi leírás: |
Positive life changes may be associated with spiritual/religious sources. This pilot study tested religiousness/spirituality in adults ( N = 77; 21% men; M age = 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.
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