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Between Vulnerability and Connection: Longitudinal Evidence on the Impact of Transformative Religious/Spiritual
Zhuo Job Chen1, Renae Wilkinson2, Richard G Cowden2,3
1School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.
Summary
Transformative religious/spiritual experiences (RSE) can be destabilizing yet foster social connection. This study found RSE linked to both psychological vulnerability and increased prosocial behaviors in young adults.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Religious Studies
Background:
- Transformative religious/spiritual experiences (RSE) are extraordinary events with self-destabilizing and relational aspects.
- These experiences present a dual potential for psychological vulnerability and enhanced social connectedness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antecedents and outcomes of transformative RSE in young adults.
- To examine the long-term impact of transformative RSE on physical, mental, behavioral, and social well-being.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a nationally representative longitudinal sample (N=10,529) from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (T0, T1, T2).
- Analyzed associations between transformative RSE reported in late adolescence (T1) and health indicators in early adulthood (T2).
- Controlled for extensive covariates from early adolescence (T0) with sensitivity analyses.
Main Results:
- Antecedents of transformative RSE included adverse childhood environments, negative parental dynamics, and high religious involvement.
- Outcomes included markers of mental/social vulnerability (PTSD, loneliness) and increased prosocial engagement (volunteering, voting).
Conclusions:
- Findings support the 'double-edged sword' effect of transformative RSE.
- Meaning-making and integration processes may shape long-term psychological and social outcomes following RSE.
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