A comparative analysis of personal characteristics of people who have experienced and not experienced a transcendental experience

Zhukava Aliaksandra ORCID: 0009-0003-7140-2824 Clinical psychologist Cognitive Behavioral Psychologist 4 Wilhelma Peak St., Moscow, 129226, Russia 9876677@mail.ru

Transcendent experience is defined as a phenomenon characterized by a transition from a normal state of consciousness to an altered one, in which there is a subjective sense of connection with the surrounding reality and an experience of awe ^[2]. This phenomenon can be induced through the effects of psychoactive substances, as well as through practices related to spirituality, magic and the occult ^[8]. Similar states are revealed when interacting with natural stimuli, as a result of meditative practices, and in conditions associated with near-death experiences.

Etymologically, the term "transcendental" comes from the Latin word "transcendere", which means "to go beyond" ^[8]. In the context of this study, this term refers to a short-term, abnormal and overt state, during which there is a decrease in identification with egocentric problems and the formation of a sense of unity with a holistic system that surpasses individual characteristics.

The research examines the theoretical aspects of transcendental experience and its impact on personality ^[3]. It has been established that, despite the extensive number of publications devoted to the description of the phenomenon of transcendental experience itself, little attention is paid to the analysis of changes in personal characteristics after such experiences ^[5]. Based on this, an attempt is being made to study and systematize more deeply the personal characteristics of people who have experienced a transcendental experience.

These personality traits can play an important role both in the process of experiencing a transcendental experience and in its consequences. In particular, they can affect an individual's ability to adapt and integrate after returning from a transcendent state. However, despite the potential significance of this issue, it still remains poorly understood. In light of this, this study suggests not only filling a gap in the scientific literature, but also making an important contribution to understanding personality traits associated with experiencing transcendental experiences.

Based on the characteristics and personality traits identified in previous studies, which can seriously change as a result of transcendental experiences, this article aims to explore the following aspects ^[3-5]:

1. Which personality characteristics are most susceptible to change as a result of a transcendental experience?

2. In what direction are these changes taking place and how do they affect the future life of the individual?

To answer the research questions posed, an integrated approach was used, including a theoretical analysis of the literature, planning and conducting empirical research, using the apparatus of mathematical statistics - the Student's t-test and the analysis of the distribution of values. This allowed us not only to deepen our understanding of the already known facts, but also to identify new patterns and trends in changing personality traits after experiencing a transcendent state. Continuing the analysis started in our previous publications, this article will provide a more detailed study of the influence of transcendental experiences on personal characteristics, using data obtained from a group of subjects who have experienced similar states. This study will allow not only to verify previously formed hypotheses, but also to formulate new ones based on the results obtained.

The object of the study is the personality traits of people who have experienced and have not experienced a transcendental experience, and the subject is the differences in personality traits between people who have experienced and have not experienced a transcendental experience.

The purpose of our work was to conduct a comparative analysis of the personality characteristics of people who have experienced and have not experienced a transcendental experience.

Based on the results of our previous research, it was found that the most relevant personal indicators of people who have experienced a transcendent experience are: self-efficacy, life satisfaction, openness to new experiences, extraversion, internality, personal values (health, freedom, harmony of life). This study is based on the hypothesis that transcendental experience has a significant impact on the personality characteristics described above.

Justification of sampling parameters and diagnostic tools:

Within the framework of this study, we set ourselves the following task — to study which personality characteristics differ between people who have experienced and have not experienced a transcendental experience. However, since such an experience is unexpected and unpredictable, it is impossible to predict exactly when and under what conditions it can be obtained. Therefore, our work uses a retrospective approach based on the assumption that the groups of subjects (with and without experience) did not have significant systematic differences that could significantly distort the results of the analysis.

Thus, the total empirical base of the study was 600 people. This allows us to conduct a fairly representative comparative analysis of the differences in the personality characteristics of people who had and did not have a transcendental experience, but it does not exclude the influence of additional factors that could influence the results of the study.

Empirical research base. Initially, the study involved people who had experienced a transcendental experience. After a preliminary assessment, the sample size was reduced to a total of 300 people. This group was diverse in age and gender, including 165 women and 135 men, aged 18 to 78 years.

For further research, a sample of subjects who had no transcendental experience was collected. This sample also consisted of 300 people and included 189 women and 111 men, aged 18 to 54 years.

Research methods. To test the hypothesis on the data obtained, the frequency analysis method can be used in relation to the value of each feature. Then, if the frequency distribution of the value of a trait in people who have experienced a transcendental experience differs significantly from the frequency distribution of the values of the same trait in people who have not experienced a transcendental experience, then the values of this trait will be a characteristic personality trait of a social group of people with a transcendental experience. Then we divide all the signs into those that make up the personal characteristics of people who have experienced a transcendental experience and are conditionally common.

The following methods were selected for the study::

1. General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), Authors: R. Schwarzer, M. Jerusalem (1981, 1992) Adaptation: V. G. Romek (1996) ^[9].

2. Life Satisfaction Scale (SWLS) Author: E. Diener et al. (1985) Adaptation: E. N. Osin, D. A. Leontiev (2004) ^[7].

3. The Big Five Questionnaire (BFI-2-S). Authors: O. John, K. Soto (2017) Adaptation: S. A. Shchebetenko, A. Y. Kalugin et al. (2022) ^[10].

4. The level of subjective control (USC) questionnaire. Authors: E. F. Bazhin, E. A. Golinkina, A.M. Etkind (1984) ^[1].

5. Questionnaire of personal values, KVS-2. Author: D.V. Kashirsky (2009) ^[6].

These techniques have been carefully selected in order to obtain a more complete and in-depth analysis of personal characteristics after experiencing a transcendental experience. Each of these techniques has a high degree of reliability and validity and allows us to consider in detail the changes in personality that are supposed to be caused by experiencing a transcendental experience.

Results

The conducted empirical research allowed us to obtain the following results.

As a result, we obtained the following data.

The "Scale of general self-efficacy" methodology

Table 1

The results of the dynamics of the distribution of trait values according to the method "General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE)" (number/person)

Significant differences at the p level<0.05, and t=15.2. According to the General Self-efficacy Scale (GSE), among participants who have experienced a transcendent experience and have not experienced it, there are significant differences in levels of self-efficacy between the two groups.

In Table 1, in the group of people who had experienced a transcendental experience, 212 participants showed poor results, which is a significant part of the sample. At the same time, in the group without similar experience, only 89 people demonstrated similar results. This difference may indicate that transcendental experience leads to a decrease in self-confidence and the ability to control the situation and achieve success. This is reflected in lower rates of self-efficacy.

It is also worth noting that for people who have not had a transcendental experience, the values of the signs are in the middle range. For example, average self-efficacy scores were found in 45 participants who had a transcendental experience and 199 participants who had not. This data spread indicates that people without transcendental experiences are more likely to be at an average level of self-efficacy. This means that their perception of their own effectiveness is more stable and does not undergo significant changes, as it happens after experiencing a transcendental experience.

The results obtained suggest that transcendental experiences can have an impact on personality, reducing the overall self-efficacy index.

The "Life Satisfaction Scale" methodology

According to the results of the diagnosis, the following results were obtained

Table 2

The results of the dynamics of the distribution of trait values according to the method "Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS)" (number/person)

Significant differences at the p level<0.05, and (t=11.8). An analysis of the distribution of values on the life satisfaction scale (SWLS) among participants who experienced and did not experience a transcendental experience shows that these two groups differ significantly in terms of life satisfaction.

According to Table 2, in the group that experienced a transcendental experience, 60 participants have a low level of life satisfaction. There are more such participants in a group without such experience — 126 people. This difference may indicate that a transcendental experience can reduce dissatisfaction with life or change the perception of negative aspects. As a result, fewer participants who have gone through such an experience rate their life satisfaction at a low level.

The other scales also show an increase in indicators. Based on the average values, we can see that compared to the group that did not experience a transcendental experience, the group that experienced it has 19 more people in this range. High values also reflect a higher number of respondents in the group of people who have experienced a transcendental experience, 47 more.

The results of the study show that transcendental experiences can have a beneficial effect on life satisfaction. In the group that has experienced a transcendental experience, there is a decrease in the number of participants with a low level of satisfaction and a significant increase in the number of those who experience a high level of happiness. This suggests that such an experience can change the perception of life, contributing to a more positive assessment of its quality.

The Big Five Questionnaire methodology

According to the results of the diagnosis, the following results were obtained

Table 3

The results of the dynamics of the distribution of feature values according to the "big five questionnaire (BFI-2-S)" method (number/person)

An analysis of the values on the extraversion scale (BFI-2-S) among participants who experienced a transcendental experience and did not experience it shows significant differences between the two groups. Let's consider only those scales that have differences at the p level.<0.05 T-Student's criteria, of the main scales these include extraversion (t=3.9); benevolence (t=6.8); negative emotionality (t=2.7). In the aspects of personality of the scale in the zone of significance: sociability (t=4.3); energy (t=2.1); empathy (t=2.9); respect (t=4.8); trust (t=4.8); organization (t=3.1); depression (t=4.9).

According to the results shown in Table 3, in the group that had a transcendental experience, only 35 people showed low results on the extraversion scale. This is significantly less than in the group without similar experience, where 243 people showed poor results. The average values are also higher in the group of people who have experienced a transcendental experience, 165 versus 22 for people who have not experienced it. In the group with transcendental experience, 100 people scored highly on the extraversion scale, while in the group without such experience there were only 35.

These differences may indicate that transcendental experiences contribute to increased extraversion in a significant proportion of participants. This is reflected in the desire for social interaction and activity among those who have experienced similar experiences.

Low values on the benevolence scale (BFI-2-S) were observed in 29 participants with a transcendental experience, compared with 245 participants in the group without such an experience. The average values are also higher in the group of people who have experienced a transcendental experience, 162 versus 41 for people who have not experienced it. In the group of participants who had a transcendental experience, 109 people had high rates of benevolence. At the same time, in the group where such an experience was not obtained, high results were found in only 14 participants.

This result may indicate that the transcendental experience increases the goodwill of a significant part of the participants. This manifests itself in a more pronounced willingness to support and take care of others.

16 participants with transcendental experiences demonstrated low values on the negative emotionality scale (BFI-2-S), while 240 participants in the group without such experiences. The average values are also higher in the group of people who have experienced a transcendental experience, 223 versus 27 for people who have not experienced it. In the group of participants who had a transcendental experience, 61 people had high rates of benevolence. At the same time, in the group where such an experience was not obtained, only 33 participants showed high results.

This difference may indicate a higher resistance to negative emotions in participants with transcendental experiences, while those who have not experienced such experiences demonstrate a wider range of reactions, with more pronounced manifestations of emotional variability.

Let's move on to the aspects of scales. An analysis of the distribution of values on the scales of sociability, energy, empathy, respect, trust, organization, and depression among participants who had experienced a transcendental experience and those who had not, shows not such significant differences between these two groups. Therefore, we will not consider them separately.

The results of the study showed that transcendental experience has a significant impact on the formation of certain personal qualities. Participants who have experienced transcendent experiences show greater extraversion and benevolence, which may indicate an increased desire for social interaction and caring for others. In addition, there is a lower severity of negative emotions in this group.

The "Subjective Control Level Questionnaire" methodology

According to the results of the diagnosis, the following results were obtained

Table 4

The results of the dynamics of the distribution of feature values according to the method "questionnaire level of subjective control (USK)" (number / person)

Note that when comparing significant differences, almost all scales have significant differences at the p level.<0.05, namely: the general scale of internality (t=6.2); internality in the field of achievements (t=3.2); internality in the field of failures (t=3.9); internality in the field of industrial relations (t=7.9); internality in the field of interpersonal relations (t=4.6); internality in relation to health and diseases (t=3.3).

In Table 4, we see that there are no strong differences between the personality traits of those who have experienced and those who have not experienced a transcendental experience on the scales of externality and internality. We see that the indicators of internality are slightly higher in the achievement scales (39 in the group with transcendental experience versus 30 without it). There is also a slightly more pronounced internality in the area of failures (67 in the group with a transcendent experience versus 25 without it) and family relationships (127 in the group with a transcendent experience versus 101 without it). Separately, the internality of interpersonal relationships is higher in the group of people who have experienced a transcendental experience (138 in the group with a transcendental experience versus 113 without it) and in terms of health (136 in the group with a transcendental experience versus 100 without it).

The analysis demonstrated that transcendental experience significantly influences the perception of responsibility for various aspects of life. Participants who have experienced this experience are more likely to demonstrate an internal locus of control in areas such as achievements, failures, family and interpersonal relationships, and health. This indicates that they are becoming more aware and responsible for what is happening in their lives, which may be the result of the influence of transcendental experiences.

The "Personal Values Questionnaire" methodology

Table 5

The results of the dynamics of the distribution of trait values according to the "questionnaire of personal values, KVS-2": part 1 the importance of life spheres (number/person)

The analysis of the significance of life spheres depending on experience will be carried out only on those scales that have significant differences at the level of p<0,05. According to the importance of life spheres, there are most such scales, let's list them: health (t=4.6); communication (t=3.3); high social status (t=4.3); family (t=3.6); activity for positive changes in society (t=2.9); learning new things (t=3.5); high material well-being (t=2.7); high education (t=2.4); faith in God (t=2.8); full self-realization (t=5.5); interesting work (t=4.5); freedom (t=4.7); harmonious life (t=11.2); stability and order (t=6.6); having good and loyal friends (t=11.4); time (t=3.8); justice (t=5.1); patriotism and love for the Motherland (t=4).

The study of the distribution of values on the scale of significance of various life spheres among participants who have experienced and have not experienced a transcendental experience, shown in Table 5, reveals differences in their priorities and significance.

1. Health. In the group with transcendental experiences, 185 participants identified health as an important area, 46 as very important, and 21 as highly important. In the group without experience, the importance of this area is also high: 207 participants consider it important, 22 — very important, and 51 — extremely important. These data may indicate that participants who have not experienced transcendental experiences are more likely to place higher importance on health, reflecting their more stable focus on physical well-being.

2. Communication. Communication occupies an important place among the participants with transcendental experience: 168 people noted it as important, 35 as very important, and 35 as extremely important. In a group without transcendental experience, communication is also highly significant, but the emphasis is shifted to important and very important values (224 and 43, respectively). This result suggests that communication is becoming more important as a life value for participants with transcendent experiences, which may reflect their desire for deeper interpersonal connections.

3. High social status. It should be noted that 156 participants with transcendental experience rated the status as important, 28 as very important, and 28 as extremely important. There were fewer participants in the group without transcendental experience at the highest levels of significance: 207 consider it important, 31 — very important, and 25 — extremely important. This indicates that participants without transcendental experience have more pronounced orientations towards status values, which may indicate a focus on social achievements and position in society.

4. Family. In the transcendental experience group, 168 people consider family important, 37 very important, and 40 extremely important. In the group without such experience, on the contrary, fewer participants noted the family as extremely important. 14 These data may indicate that after a transcendent experience, participants tend to attach the highest importance to family values, perhaps due to a rethinking of family relationships and the role of loved ones.

5. Activism for positive changes in society. In the group of participants with transcendental experiences, 175 people noted the importance of activity, 33 — as very important, and 32 — as extremely important. In the group without transcendental experience, 215 participants also indicated the importance of activity, 23 of them as very important, and 22 as extremely important. These results may indicate that for a group without transcendent experience, participation in public life is somewhat more important than for a group with transcendent experience, which may reflect a stronger social orientation.

6. Learning new things. Among the participants with transcendental experiences, 156 rated it as important, 54 as very important, and 43 as extremely important. In the group without experience, significantly fewer participants identified this area as very important. The tendency towards a high value of learning new things indicates an increased desire for self-development and new discoveries among participants who have experienced a transcendent experience.

7. High material well-being. Among the participants with transcendental experiences, 183 people rated material well—being as important, 33 as very important, and 36 as extremely important. In the group without transcendental experience, 169 participants also pointed out the importance of this area, 34 of them as very important, and 24 as extremely important. The data indicate that high material well-being is perceived as a significant value by the participants, regardless of the presence of transcendental experience. Despite the similarity of the general attitude towards material well-being, a slightly higher percentage of participants with transcendental experience who rate this area as "extremely important" may indicate a tendency towards a more pronounced need for material stability or security in this category.

8. High education. In the group with transcendental experiences, 182 participants rated education as important, 32 as very important, and 31 as extremely important. In the group without transcendental experience, 147 participants also consider education important, 41 of them as very important, and 19 as extremely important. The data indicate that education is becoming more important among participants with transcendental experiences, possibly due to their increased focus on self-discovery and personal growth.

9. Faith in God. In the transcendental experience group, 159 participants rated faith as important, 28 as very important, and 44 as extremely important. In the group without transcendental experience, 171 people also consider faith important, 42 of them as very important, and 11 as extremely important. This difference may indicate that faith becomes more important for participants with transcendental experiences, which may reflect their desire for spirituality and the search for meaning after their experiences.

10. Full self-realization. In the group with transcendent experiences, 171 participants consider self—realization important, 44 — very important, and 67 - extremely important. In the group without such experience, the number of participants with the highest self-realization value is less than 36. This difference may indicate a strong emphasis on personal achievement and the unfolding of potential after experiencing a transcendent experience.

11. Interesting job. In the group with transcendent experience, 153 participants consider work important and 41 highly important. In the group without transcendental experience, the value of interesting work is somewhat higher, namely 175 respondents in terms of "important", but only 22 participants in this group rated it as extremely important. These data show that interesting work remains significant for both groups, but for a group without transcendent experience, this value in this area of life is less pronounced.

12. Freedom. In the transcendental experience group, 152 participants consider freedom important, 44 very important, and 45 extremely important. In the group with no experience of transcendental experience, freedom is also important, 158 consider it important, 43 — very important, and 56 participants rated it as extremely important. Data analysis shows that freedom is perceived as a significant value by both participants with and without transcendental experience. The relatively small differences between the groups indicate that the presence of a transcendent experience does not significantly affect the assessment of freedom as a vital value.

13. A harmonious life. Among the participants with transcendental experiences, 156 noted harmony as important, 38 as very important, and 46 as extremely important. In a group without transcendental experience, 132 participants also consider harmony important, 57 of them as very important, and 79 as extremely important. This result may indicate that participants without transcendental experience tend to pay more attention to harmony in life, perhaps seeking a balance between different spheres of life.

14. Stability and order. We see that 197 participants with transcendental experiences consider stability important, 36 — very important, and 34 — extremely important. In the group without experience, stability is more important, with 61 participants rating it as highly important. This may indicate that a group without transcendental experience attaches greater importance to stability, which may indicate a desire for security and order.

15. Having good and loyal friends. Respondents from the group with transcendental experience are less likely to choose this life area as absolutely insignificant, 15 versus 21 in the other group. However, they are also less likely to choose it as highly significant (40 versus 76 in the group without transcendental experience). If we summarize all the results by significance, then in the group with transcendental experience we get 251 respondents for whom this scale ranges from significant to highly significant, and in the group without transcendental experience 245. Despite the shift in extreme assessments, the overall importance of having good and loyal friends remains comparable in both groups. These results suggest that transcendental experience can influence the intensity of assessments of individual life spheres without changing their overall status in the subject's value system.

16. Time. The value of proper use of time is also higher in the group of people with transcendental experience, namely 241 respondents from the group of people with transcendental experience rated this area of life on a scale from significant to highly significant, while in the group of people without transcendental experience there are fewer such respondents, namely 230 people.

17. Justice. Among the participants with transcendental experiences, 167 rated justice as important, 37 as very important, and 50 as highly important. In the group without experience, fewer participants rated this area at the highest level of importance. The increased importance of justice indicates the orientation of a group with a transcendent experience towards the values of social responsibility and honesty.

18. Patriotism and love for the Motherland. Among the participants with transcendental experiences, 180 noted patriotism as important, 22 as very important, and 26 as extremely important. In the group without a transcendental experience, 195 participants also indicated its significance, of which 14 were very important and 10 were extremely important. These differences indicate that the presence of a transcendent experience may be associated with a more intense emotional and value assessment of patriotic attitudes.

The analysis shows that transcendental experience influences the priorities and importance of various spheres of life. Participants who have experienced transcendent experiences focus more on self-realization, learning new things, freedom and justice, whereas a group without such experiences focuses on social and family values, stability and health.

Table 6

The results of the dynamics of the distribution of trait values according to the "questionnaire of personal values, KVS-2": part 2 achievements and self-realization in life spheres (number/person)

Table 6 shows the values for the second part of the "personal values questionnaire" methodology. An analysis of the distribution of values on the scale of achievement and self-realization of life spheres among participants who have experienced and have not experienced a transcendental experience reveals significant differences in their success in various life values. The analysis of the significance of life spheres depending on experience will be carried out only on those scales that have significant differences at the level of p<0,05. According to achievements and self-realization in life spheres, the number of significant scales is not less, we list them: high social status (t=3); new knowledge (t=4.6); high material well-being (t=4.8); high education (t=2.4); faith in God (t=4.7); pleasant time passing (t=3.3); full self-realization (t=4.7); search for beauty (t=8.7); love (t=3.7); recognition and respect of people (t=6.3); freedom (t=5.4); stability and order (t=6); creativity (t=4.6); having good and loyal friends (t=10.1); time (t=5); responsibility (t=3.6); justice (t=8.6); patriotism and love for the Motherland (t=2.5).

1. High social status. In the group with transcendental experience, 165 people noted their achievements in this field, 26 of them believe that they have fully realized themselves, and another 26 — that they have achieved the highest degree of self-realization. In the group without transcendental experience, success in this area is more significant: 187 people have achieved high results, but only 9 feel the highest degree of self-realization. This may indicate that participants without transcendent experiences are more focused on social achievement and status, while the group with transcendent experiences is likely less focused on external attributes.

2. Learning new things. Participants with transcendent experiences were more likely to note a high level of achievement and self—realization in the field of learning new things: 179 people achieved success, and 75 achieved the highest degree of self-realization. In the group without transcendental experience, the indicators are lower: only 134 people have achieved significant results, and 32 have achieved higher self—realization. These data indicate that transcendental experience contributes to a greater desire for new knowledge and the discovery of truth, developing participants' interest in research and self-development.

3. High material well-being. In the group with transcendental experience, only 158 people noted their achievements in material well-being, and only 16 achieved the highest degree of self-realization. In the group without transcendental experience, the indicators are higher: 213 people have achieved success in this area, and 23 noted the highest self-realization. These data may indicate that having a transcendent experience is associated with a lower focus on material achievement or with a different distribution of value priorities.

4. High education. In the group with transcendental experience, 200 participants noted educational achievements, and 28 achieved the highest degree of self—realization, which is significantly higher than in the group without transcendental experience, where only 166 people achieved significant results, and only 15 achieved higher self-realization. This may indicate that transcendental experience enhances the importance of education and the pursuit of knowledge as a form of self-realization.

5. Faith in God. Among the participants with transcendental experience, 156 people noted achievements in this field, and 41 — the highest degree of self—realization, which is higher than in the group without transcendental experience, where only 147 people achieved significant results, and 23 - the highest self-realization. These results may indicate that transcendental experiences enhance the importance of spiritual values, encouraging participants to become more deeply involved in religious or spiritual practice.

6. Have a good time. In the group where the participants had a transcendental experience, 167 people noted that they had achieved success in the field of pleasant pastime, of which 30 achieved self—realization, and 36 reached the highest level. In the group without transcendental experience, 123 people also achieved success, but only 47 of them achieved self-realization at the highest level. These data may indicate that participants without a transcendental experience are more focused on proper rest and relaxation than those who have experienced a transcendental experience.

7. Full self-realization. In the group with transcendental experience, 176 participants noted their achievements in the field of self—realization, 37 of them achieved self-realization, and 33 reached the highest level. In the group without transcendental experience, 184 people also achieved success, but only 32 of them noted the highest self-realization. This indicates that the transcendent experience enhances the desire for full self-realization, allowing participants to discover their inner goals and potential more deeply.

8. The search for beauty. In the group with transcendent experience, 171 people noted their achievements in the field of aesthetics and the search for beauty, 39 of them achieved self—realization, and 35 reached the highest level. In the group without transcendental experience, 198 people also achieved success, but only 16 of them achieved higher self-realization. This indicates that transcendent experience promotes the pursuit of aesthetic values and the search for beauty, turning them into an integral part of personal growth.

9. Love. Among the participants with transcendental experiences, 177 people noted achievements in the field of love, 37 of them achieved self—realization, and 29 reached the highest level. In the group without transcendental experience, 196 people also achieved success in this area, but only 26 of them noted the highest self-realization. This emphasizes that transcendental experiences enhance the value of love and personal relationships, making them an integral part of life's self-realization.

10. Recognition and respect of people. In the group with transcendent experience, 191 participants noted their achievements in the field of recognition and respect, 32 of them achieved self—realization, and 29 reached the highest level. In the group without transcendental experience, 201 people also achieved success, but only 23 of them noted the highest self-realization. This may indicate that the transcendent experience reduces the focus on external recognition and respect, making internal values more significant.

11. Freedom. In the group with transcendent experiences, 183 participants noted achievements in the field of freedom, and 35 believe that they have reached the highest level of self-realization. The group without transcendental experience also has many participants with high achievements in this area (188), but more participants with higher self-realization (28). The data may indicate that although the overall level of achievement of freedom in both groups is similar, the presence of transcendental experience is associated with a higher degree of inner self-realization in this area.

12. Stability and order. In the group with transcendent experience, 184 participants noted their achievements in the field of stability, 33 of them achieved self—realization, and 22 reached the highest level. In the group without transcendental experience, 226 people also achieved success, but only 22 of them noted the highest self-realization. This indicates a greater focus on stability among participants without transcendental experience, who have a more pronounced emphasis on order and predictability.

13. Creativity. Among the participants with transcendental experience, 180 people noted their achievements in the field of creativity, 27 of them achieved self—realization, and 23 reached the highest level. In the group without transcendental experience, 200 people also achieved success in this area, 25 of them noted the highest self-realization. This suggests that transcendental experience makes creativity an important area of self-realization, allowing for deeper realization of creative potential.

14. Having good and loyal friends. Among the participants with transcendental experiences, 189 people noted their achievements in friendship, 34 of them achieved self—realization, and 28 reached the highest level. In the group without transcendental experience, 174 people also achieved success in this area, but only 17 of them noted the highest self-realization. The results may indicate that having a transcendent experience promotes deeper personal growth and development in the context of interpersonal relationships, which is manifested in higher rates of self-realization in the field of friendship.

15. Time. In the group with transcendental experience, 205 participants noted their achievements in time orientation, 26 of them achieved self—realization, and 23 reached the highest level. In the group without transcendental experience, 182 people also achieved success, and 19 of them noted the highest self-realization. This indicates that the transcendental experience develops a sense of time and the significance of each moment.

16. Responsibility. Among the participants with transcendental experience, 179 people noted their achievements in the field of responsibility, 35 of them achieved self—realization, and 31 reached the highest level. In the group without transcendental experience, 206 people also achieved success, but only 16 of them noted the highest self-realization. This may indicate that transcendental experience makes responsibility a more important value, where a sense of responsibility becomes an internal aspect of self-realization.

17. Justice. Among the participants with transcendent experience, 197 noted achievements in the field of justice, and 36 believe that they have reached the highest level of self-realization. In the group without transcendental experience, there are fewer participants with such achievements — 178, and only 20 believe that they have achieved the highest self-realization. These data may indicate that transcendental experience contributes to the development of sensitivity to social justice and responsibility towards society.

18. Patriotism and love for the Motherland. Among the participants with transcendent experience, 158 people noted their achievements in patriotism, 37 of them achieved self—realization, and 37 reached the highest level. In the group without transcendental experience, 156 people also achieved success, and 34 of them noted the highest self-realization. This indicates that patriotism and love for the Motherland are significant for both groups, however, for participants with transcendent experience, self-realization in this area is more pronounced than for respondents who did not experience this experience.

The analysis shows that transcendental experience has a significant impact on the perception of achievements and self-realization in various aspects of life. Participants who have experienced this experience tend to pay more attention to areas such as self-realization, creativity, faith, and responsibility, which indicates a shift in their values towards inner growth and spiritual development. At the same time, a group without transcendental experience is more focused on stability, time, material and social benefits.

Discussion

The empirical study revealed significant differences in the personal characteristics of the participants who had experienced a transcendental experience, compared with the control group without such an experience. The data obtained indicate that transcendental experience affects both basic psychological parameters (self-efficacy, life satisfaction) and structural personality traits (Big Five traits, locus of control), as well as the system of personal values.

An analysis of the results on the general self-efficacy scale (GSE) showed that participants who had experienced a transcendent experience showed lower self-efficacy scores (t=15.2), which may indicate a rethinking of their own importance and capabilities after such experiences. Perhaps this effect is due to a temporary decrease in confidence in personal resources due to cognitive reconfiguration resulting from a change in worldview.

At the same time, the results on the Life satisfaction Scale (SWLS) indicate a shift in the distribution towards higher satisfaction values in the group with a transcendental experience. A decrease in the number of respondents with a low level of satisfaction and a simultaneous increase in the number of participants with high scores suggests that such an experience may contribute to a positive reassessment of life circumstances and an improvement in the subjective quality of life.

The BFI-2-S diagnostic results revealed that participants who had a transcendental experience were characterized by increased extraversion and benevolence, as well as reduced negative emotionality (significant differences at the p level<0.05 according to the T criterion: extraversion – 3.9; benevolence – 6.8; negative emotionality – 2.7). These data may indicate that transcendental experience promotes the development of social adaptive qualities, enhancing the desire for interpersonal interaction and at the same time reducing the predisposition to negative affective states. Thus, such an experience can act as a catalyst for positive changes in the emotional and social sphere of a person.

Analysis of data from the Subjective Control Level Questionnaire (USC) demonstrated that participants with transcendental experiences tend to demonstrate an internal locus of control in various life areas more often (achievements, failures, interpersonal and family relationships, health). Significant differences on a number of scales (T criteria range from 3.2 to 7.9) indicate that transcendental experience can enhance awareness of personal responsibility for events. Such a shift in attributive style probably contributes to a more conscious and adaptive restructuring of the internal motivational structure.

The results obtained using the Personal Values Questionnaire (KVS-2) suggest that the transcendent experience is accompanied by a reassessment of life priorities. In the first part of the methodology, there are differences in the importance of such vital areas as family, communication, learning new things, education and faith. Participants with transcendent experiences are more likely to place higher importance on family and spiritual values, while participants without such experiences are more focused on status, stability, and order. An additional analysis on the scales of achievement and self-realization confirms that participants with transcendent experiences show a tendency towards an increased orientation towards inner self-realization and aesthetic values, which may indicate a deep inner transformation caused by such an experience.

Summarizing the data obtained, it can be concluded that transcendental experience has a multifaceted impact on personal development. On the one hand, there is a decrease in subjective self-efficacy, which may be due to an overestimation of personal resources in the context of a change in worldview. On the other hand, increased life satisfaction, increased extraversion and benevolence, as well as a shift in the locus of control towards internalization indicate a positive adaptive personality restructuring. Rethinking personal values in favor of internally oriented spheres additionally confirms the hypothesis of a significant influence of transcendental experience on the system of life priorities.

Limitations of the study and directions for future research.

It should be noted that the methodological approach based on a retrospective comparative analysis imposes certain limitations on the interpretation of cause-and-effect relationships. The influence of potential extraneous variables, as well as differences in the age and demographic characteristics of the samples, can have an impact on the results. Therefore, further research using longitudinal designs and more comprehensive methodological approaches is necessary to clarify in more detail the mechanisms of the impact of transcendental experience on personal development.

Conclusion

The results obtained make a significant contribution to understanding the relationship between transcendental experiences and changes in personality traits. The revealed trends suggest that transcendental experience can act as a factor contributing to the adaptive restructuring of personality, changing both cognitive and emotional aspects, as well as the system of life values. This opens up prospects for further study of the role of such experiences in the processes of self-regulation and personal growth.