Spiritual Experiences in Soulmate Relationships: Qualitative and Network Analysis of the Mystical Bond

Abstract

ABSTRACT Mysticism has so far been studied primarily at an individual level and often in the context of a religious tradition. However, one can and often does acquire strong spiritual experience in a mundane and interpersonal context, such as with one’s soulmate. The current study used a semistructured interview to investigate mystical experiences in the deep-bond relationships. The 42 participants were individuals who reported to have had a relationship in which they experienced a deep bond with another person (e.g., friend, significant other, mother). Interview questions were adapted from the Mysticism Scale to cover nine facets of mysticism. We identified 23 themes structured under three mysticism factors: introvertive, extrovertive, and interpretive mysticism. The structure of mysticism that emerged from the data was tested against the three-factor model, and the content of mysticism in human relationships was analyzed. The results showed the possibility for relational spirituality and potential of using an innovative mixed method to study mysticism in mundane interpersonal settings.