Between Vulnerability and Connection: Longitudinal Evidence on the Impact of Transformative Religious/Spiritual Experiences

Transformative religious/spiritual experiences (RSE) represent a subset of extraordinary experiences that are both self-destabilizing and relational in nature. This double-edged quality positions transformative RSE as both a potential source of psychological vulnerability and a catalyst for enhanced social connectedness. This study investigates the antecedents and outcomes of transformative RSE using a nationally representative longitudinal sample of 10,529 young adults from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health T0 (1994-1995), T1 (2001-2002), and T2 (2008). We examined associations of reporting a transformative RSE at T1 (late adolescence) on a broad range of physical, mental, behavioural, and social health and wellbeing indicators assessed at T2 (early adulthood). Primary analyses controlled for an extensive set of covariates assessed at T0 (early adolescence), with sensitivity analyses employing both liberal (T0 sociodemographic characteristics only) and conservative (contemporaneous covariates taken from T1) adjustment strategies. Antecedents (T0 correlates) of transformative RSE included adverse childhood environments, negative parental dynamics, and heightened religious involvement. Consistent T2 outcomes of transformative RSE involved some markers of mental and social vulnerability (i.e., PTSD diagnosis and loneliness), as well as increased prosocial engagement (i.e., volunteering and voting). These findings support the theorized double-edged sword effect of transformative RSE and suggest the potential role of meaning-making and integration in shaping long-term psychological and social outcomes.