Prosocial correlates of transformative experiences at secular multi-day mass gatherings.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Prospective observational cohort study across multiple field and follow-up timepoints without randomization.
PubMed 35624086 · doi:10.1038/s41467-022-29600-1
What was done
Researchers investigated the psychological characteristics and prosocial correlates of transformative experiences by studying attendees across 6 field studies and 22 online follow-up studies over 5 years. Participants were assessed before (n = 600), during (n = 1,217), 0–4 weeks after (n = 1,866), and 6 months after (n = 710) attending secular multi-day mass gatherings in the US and UK. Measures evaluated self-reported transformative experiences, universal connectedness, circle of moral regard, and generosity.
What was found
No numerical values, test statistics, or effect sizes were reported in the abstract. The authors reported that transformative experiences were common, increased over time at events, and were characterized by feelings of universal connectedness and altered perceptions of others. Circle of moral regard expanded with each day onsite, mediated partially by transformative experiences and universal connectedness. Generosity was high across sites but did not change over time onsite. Immediately and at 6 months post-event, self-reported transformative experience persisted, directly predicting generosity and indirectly predicting moral expansion.
Why it matters
This study suggests that secular mass gatherings can facilitate transformative psychological experiences that are associated with enduring expansions in moral regard and prosocial behavior.
Limits
The abstract reports no exact quantitative figures, confidence intervals, or effect sizes. The observational design lacks experimental control or randomization, relies entirely on self-reported outcomes, and exhibits substantial participant drop-off across the follow-up periods.