Proneness to mystical experience in relation to Jung's personality dimensions.

Abstract

The present study was designed to investigate the relationship of mystical experience to the personality dimensions as theorized by Jung. There were 44 subjects, both upper class and freshmen. Each subject completed the M-scale, Research Form D and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Subjects also provided demographic data. The results were obtained by comparing the scores from the M-scale between Introverts and Extroverts, between Thinkers and Feelers, and between Sensors and Intuitors as indicated by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Only those data obtained from subjects scoring above a slight preference on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator were used in the analysis. The results indicated that there was no significant difference between Introverts and Extroverts or between Sensors and Intuitors in their reported proneness to mystical experience. There was a significant difference between Thinkers and Feelers in reported proneness to mystical experience with Feelers reporting a significantly greater proneness to mystical experience. It was concluded that the functions within the subjects' personality associated with judging and decision making based on personal values were the primary factors in the report of being prone to mystical experience. This conclusion was consistent with the research literature on mysticism.