Final study published on non-ordinary experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is pleased to announce the publication of the third and final paper from a research project investigating non-ordinary experiences such as religious and spiritual encounters during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This study marks the conclusion of a collaborative initiative between the Lampeter-based Religious Experience Research Centre at UWTSD and the Centre for Mind and Culture at Boston University, USA, supported by the Global Wales Mobility scheme.

The research, led by Professor Bettina Schmidt, Director of the Religious Experience Research Centre at UWTSD, and Dr Kate Stockly from the Centre for Mind and Culture, began in 2020 as a response to the global crisis. Initially, funding had been allocated for a visit to Boston, but when international travel was halted due to lockdowns, the team adapted by hiring a postdoctoral researcher from Boston University instead. This pivot allowed the project to continue and evolve into a significant exploration of how people experienced and interpreted non-ordinary events during the pandemic.

The three papers published from this research highlight the complexities of these experiences. The first article explored the need to break the silence surrounding non-ordinary experiences and their potential benefits for mental wellbeing. The second examined the dual nature of these experiences, revealing that while some were positive, others had a negative psychological impact. The final paper, now published, reflects on the multifaceted nature of non-ordinary experiences and their significance in times of crisis.

Reflecting on the project, Professor Bettina Schmidt said:

“This research has deepened our understanding of how people navigate extraordinary experiences during moments of global uncertainty. The pandemic was a time of great isolation, and for many, non-ordinary experiences became a way of making sense of their reality. Our findings show that while these experiences can be profound and meaningful, they also bring challenges that should not be overlooked.”

Recently, Professor Schmidt has had opportunities to share this research internationally, including in Brazil, where she participated in academic collaborations and events.  Professor Dr Marta Helena de Freitas, from the Catholic University of Brasília, welcomed the research and the collaboration with UWTSD:

“Professor Bettina Schmidt’s research into non-ordinary experiences during the pandemic has been truly inspiring. It was a pleasure to welcome her to Brazil and to work together on a related interdisciplinary project here. Her participation in our international seminar highlighted the relevance of this work, and I am delighted that our collaboration continues through both academic events and joint publications.”

The research not only sheds light on the impact of non-ordinary experiences but also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary and international collaboration in advancing our understanding of human experience.

Click on the following link to find out more: https://repository.uwtsd.ac.uk/id/eprint/3007/ 

Further Information

Arwel Lloyd

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Corporate Communications and PR    
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