Research


Online surveys

From time to time, the St Mary's Centre conducts on-line surveys relating to religion, religious experiences, and the impact of personality differences on various factors. Our online surveys are created to collect information from various individuals and groups depending on the project. 

Our two most recent surveys focused on spiritual and mystical experiences, with an additional inquiry into how personality can impact such experiences and our openness to them. Articles relating to these surveys may be read in our bilingual online Journal, Challenging Religious Issues (Issues 1 and 2, ' Researching Religious Experience in China' and 'Psychology and Mysticism').


Personality and Mystical Experience Survey

This project explored the connection between personality preferences and openness to mystical experience. All individuals were invited to take part in our research by completing a short questionnaire. Participants did not need to have had a mystical experience to take part.

The first part of the questionnaire presented the Mystical Orientation Scale and the second part explored personality preferences.

If you are interested in this project, follow the link below to view the now inactive survey:

Personality and Mystical Experience Survey (English)



Spiritual and Religious Experiences Today Survey

This project mapped the variety of spiritual and religious experiences reported by people today. All individuals were invited to take part in our research by describing a spiritual or religious experience that has been important to them. Replies were completely anonymous and are being used to inform our future publications.

After describing their experience, participants were invited to complete an optional short personality test as we are interested in exploring the connection between personality preferences and different forms of spiritual and religious experience.

If you are interested in this project, follow the link below to view the now inactive survey:

Spiritual and Religious Experiences Today Survey (English)