Spiritual Emergence(y), Psychosis, and Personality: Differentiation, Identification, and Measurement

Abstract

Spiritual emergency (SEY) is a process of spiritual emergence (SE) or awakening that becomes traumatic, leading to a state of psychological crisis. SE(Y) experiences may contribute to both physical and mental health problems, while providing a unique opportunity for transformation and growth. However, SE(Y) may appear very similar to clinical psychosis. This thesis presents three empirical studies exploring SE(Y), psychosis and personality. The aims are to introduce the phenomena of SE(Y) as a form of religious/spiritual struggle; to explore the complex relationships between SE and SEY, SE(Y) and psychosis, and SE(Y), psychosis and personality; and to address issues pertaining to differentiation, identification and measurement of the phenomena.