International Journal of

Transpersonal Studies
Volume 28 | Issue 1 Article 8

1-1-2009

A Viable Model and Self-Report Measure of

Spiritual Intelligence
David B. King
Trent University

Teresa L. DeCicco
Trent University

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King, D. B., & DeCicco, T. L. (2009). King, D. B., & DeCicco, T. L. (2009). A viable model and self-report measure of spiritual
intelligence. International Journal of Transpersonal Studies, 28(1), 68–85.. International Journal of Transpersonal Studies, 28 (1).
http://dx.doi.org/10.24972/ijts.2009.28.1.68

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A Viable Model and Self-Report Measure
of Spiritual Intelligence
David B. King Teresa L. DeCicco
Trent University
Peterborough, ON, Canada

A four-factor model of spiritual intelligence is first proposed. Supportive evidence is reviewed for the
capacities of critical existential thinking, personal meaning production, transcendental awareness,
and conscious state expansion. Based on this model, a 24-item self-report measure was developed
and modified across two consecutive studies (N = 619 and N = 304, respectively). The final version
of the scale, the Spiritual Intelligence Self-Report Inventory (SISRI-24), displayed excellent internal
reliability and good fit to the proposed model. Correlational analyses with additional measures of
meaning, metapersonal self-construal, mysticism, religiosity, and social desirability offer support
for construct and criterion-related validity. According to both intelligence criteria and current
psychometric standards, findings validate the proposed model and measure of spiritual intelligence.
Future directions are discussed.

T
he nature of human intelligence and its problem-solving, and reasoning in all environmental
psychological study have been areas of continuous contexts, and (3) develop with age and experience
scientific debate (for a review, see Cianciolo & (Gardner, 1983; Mayer et al., 2000; Sternberg, 1997).
Sternberg, 2004). Many have argued that the sum of Gardner (1983) also recommended neurological/
human intelligence is best described as a single construct, biological evidence, evolutionary plausibility, and support
such as the intelligence quotient (IQ), while others have from psychometrics and experimental psychology.
suggested multiple intelligences (Cianciolo & Sternberg, Spiritual Intelligence
2004; Gardner, 1983; Sternberg, 1988). Howard
Gardner, a leading advocate of the latter standpoint,
has proposed eight intelligences, including linguistic,
O f the additional intelligences proposed, the concept
of spiritual intelligence has remained a forerunner
in the past decade (Amram, 2007; Emmons, 2000a;
logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, naturalist, and Nasel, 2004; Noble, 2000; Vaughan, 2002; Wolman,
bodily-kinesthetic (Gardner, 1983, 1993, 1999). Recent 2001; Zohar & Marshall, 2000). Emmons (2000a)
decades have also witnessed extensive literature on social provided support for spiritual intelligence according to
and emotional intelligences, which describe cognitive Gardner’s (1983) criteria, proposing five core abilities:
abilities of emotional perception and management on 1) the capacity for transcendent awareness (of a divine
intra- and inter-personal levels (e.g., Gardner, 1983; being or oneself); 2) the ability to enter spiritual states
Goleman, 1995; Mayer, Caruso, & Salovey, 2000; of consciousness; 3) the ability to sanctify everyday
Salovey & Mayer, 1990). experiences; 4) the ability to utilize spirituality to solve
In order to evaluate potential additional problems; and 5) the capacity to engage in virtuous
intelligences (e.g., moral intelligence; Gardner, 1993), behaviors (e.g., forgiveness). The last of these capacities
leading theorists have suggested rigid criteria that has since been removed (Emmons, 2000b) due to its
must first be satisfied. It is generally established that more accurate interpretation as preferred behavior
an intelligence should (1) include a set of moderately (Mayer, 2000).
interrelated mental abilities (i.e., core capacities for which Noble (2000) concurred with Emmons’ (2000a)
cognition is primary; those which are distinct from conception of spiritual intelligence and added two
preferred behaviors or traits), (2) facilitate adaptation, additional core abilities: (1) “the conscious recognition

68 Studies, 28, 2009, pp. 68-85

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies King & DeCicco
that physical reality is embedded within a larger, evidence to support the notion that spiritual intelligence
multidimensional reality” (p. 46); and (2) “the conscious not only involves existential capacities, but that it exists as
pursuit of psychological health, not only for ourselves but a set of mental abilities that are distinct from behavioral
for…the global community” (p. 46). The first of these traits and experiences, satisfying established intelligence
abilities can be readily amalgamated with Emmons’ criteria (Gardner, 1983; Mayer et al., 2000; Sternberg,
(2000a) capacity for transcendent awareness, while the 1997).
second more closely resembles preferred behavior. The subsequent model also assumes a
The capacity for transcendent awareness has been contemporary interpretation of spirituality that
equally emphasized by Wolman (2001) and Vaughan distinguishes it from the construct of religiosity (King,
(2002). Others have added the capacity for existential Speck, & Thomas, 2001; Koenig, McCullough, & Larson,
thinking and questioning (e.g., Nasel, 2004; Vaughan, 2000; Love, 2002; Sinnott, 2002; Wink & Dillon, 2002;
2002; Wolman, 2001; Zohar & Marshall, 2000) as a Wulff, 1991). Religion is viewed as “an organized system
core aspect of spiritual intelligence. Zohar and Marshall of beliefs, practices, rituals, and symbols” (Koenig et al.,
(2000) further contended that spiritual intelligence 2000, p. 18), while spirituality is regarded as “the personal
represents the brain’s unitive processes which serve to quest for understanding answers to ultimate questions
reconceptualize experience and produce meaning. Nasel about life, about meaning, and about relationship to the
(2004) described the construct as “the application of sacred or transcendent” (p. 18). As many authors (e.g.,
spiritual abilities and resources to practical contexts” Helminiak, 2001; Worthington & Sandage, 2001) have
(p. 4), identifying two main components of existential noted, however, religion and spirituality remain intimately
questioning and the awareness of divine presence. His 17- connected, with religion being “the social vehicle that, at
item Spiritual Intelligence Scale incorporates traditional its best, proclaims and supports spirituality” (Helminiak,
Christian values and New Age spirituality, yet fails to 2001, p. 165). While religion and spiritual intelligence
offer a universal measure of spiritual abilities as opposed are also likely related, this is a topic of discussion which
to experiences and behaviors. cannot be adequately addressed within the confines of
More recently, Amram (2007) identified the current paper. Nevertheless, it is maintained that
seven major themes of spiritual intelligence, including spiritual intelligence and religiosity are distinct but
meaning, consciousness, grace, transcendence, truth, related psychological constructs. As such, the current
peaceful surrender to Self, and inner-directed freedom. model may or may not be consistent with established
His Integrated Spiritual Intelligence Scale consists of religious approaches or systems of belief. This is not a
22 subscales organized into five theoretical domains of setback of the current model; rather, it is the result of
consciousness, grace, meaning, transcendence, and truth a commitment to the identification of cognitive abilities
(Amram & Dryer, 2007). Like Nasel (2004), however, as opposed to beliefs and attitudes, which is necessary
Amram (2007) failed to distinguish carefully among in the establishment of a universal human intelligence
spiritual ability, behavior, and experience, resulting in (Gardner, 1983; Mayer et al., 2000; Sternberg, 1997).
a model which is best described as a lived spirituality. A Viable Model of Spiritual Intelligence
Previous models have made similar errors. For example,
Wolman (2001) contended that phenomenological
experience is a critical component of spiritual intelligence,
I n the current model, spiritual intelligence is defined
as a set of mental capacities which contribute to the
awareness, integration, and adaptive application of the
while others have involved theological interpretations nonmaterial and transcendent aspects of one’s existence,
(e.g., Emmons, 2000a; Nasel, 2004), resulting in limited leading to such outcomes as deep existential reflection,
theories which cannot be universally applied. enhancement of meaning, recognition of a transcendent
Gardner (1993, 2000) has remained hesitant self, and mastery of spiritual states (King, 2008). An
to accept a spiritual intelligence in his own model of extensive review of the literature supports four core
multiple intelligences, arguing that the concept is too components: (1) critical existential thinking, (2) personal
confounded with phenomenological experience and meaning production, (3) transcendental awareness, and
religious belief. He has, however, expressed preference for (4) conscious state expansion. Following a discussion of
an existential intelligence, which Halama and Strizenec each of these capacities, additional support for adaptive
(2004) described as a related and overlapping construct applications and development over the lifespan will be
to spiritual intelligence. The current paper will offer reviewed.
Spiritual Intelligence International Journal of Transpersonal Studies 69
Critical Existential Thinking (CET) 2001; Koenig et al., 2000; Sinnott, 2002; Wink & Dillon,
The first component of spiritual intelligence 2002; Worthington & Sandage, 2001), requiring its
involves the capacity to critically contemplate meaning, consideration in a model of spiritual intelligence. Nasel
purpose, and other existential or metaphysical issues (2004) concurred, suggesting that spiritual intelligence
(e.g., reality, the universe, space, time, death). In “involves contemplation of the symbolic meaning of
addition to the mounting support for Gardner’s (1993) personal events and circumstances, in order to find
suggestion of an existential intelligence (e.g., Halama purpose and meaning in all life experiences” (p. 52). In
& Strizenec, 2004; Shearer, 2006; Simmons, 2006), essence, Emmons’ (2000a) capacity for sanctification is
existential thinking is commonplace in definitions of one particular method of personal meaning production.
both spirituality (e.g., Koenig, McCullough, & Larson, Personal meaning has been defined as “having
2000; Matheis, Tulsky, & Matheis, 2006; Wink & a purpose in life, having a sense of direction, a sense of
Dillon, 2002) and spiritual intelligence (Nasel, 2004; order and a reason for existence” (Reker, 1997, p. 710).
Vaughan, 2002; Wolman, 2001; Zohar & Marshall, Meddin (1998) identified a cognitive component of
2000). It is currently argued that critical existential personal meaning, defined as “an integrative organizing
thinking can be applied to any life issue, as any object principle (or set of principles) which enables one to
or event can be viewed in relation to one’s existence. make sense (cognition) of one’s inner life and outer
While some discuss a “quest for understanding answers” environment” (p. 164), which closely resembles Zohar
(Koenig et al., 2000, p. 18) to these seemingly ultimate and Marshall’s (2000) description of the brain’s tertiary
questions (e.g., Noble, 2000), this can more practically processes. A cognitive component was also suggested
be considered as a related pattern of behavior. by Wong (1989), who defined personal meaning as “an
To a large extent, aspects of cognition are individually constructed cognitive system, that is…
inherent in the discussion of existential tendencies, with capable of endowing life with personal significance and
frequent references to existential thinking (e.g., Garo, satisfaction” (p. 517).
2006), existential contemplation (e.g., Lavoie & de Vries, Reker’s (1997) definition highlights the
2004), and existential reasoning (e.g., Evans & Wellman, fundamental relationship between meaning and
2006), leading to the more plausible inference of mental purpose. In addition to deriving purpose from daily
capacity. Furthermore, self-estimates of intelligence events and experiences (i.e., situational meaning), one
have revealed that perceived existential intelligence is is also capable of defining a purpose for his/her life (i.e.,
a significant predictor of perceived overall intelligence global meaning), utilizing more coherent and creative
(Furnham, Wytykowska, & Petrides, 2002). forms of meaning production. The mastery of a life
It is further contended that simply questioning purpose refers to one’s ability to infer his/her purpose in
existence does not demonstrate complete mastery of this all events and experiences. A seemingly infinite number
ability. One must be able to contemplate such existential of sources of meaning and purpose have been described
issues using critical thinking, and in some cases come to in the literature, including leisure activities (Reker &
original conclusions or personal philosophies regarding Wong, 1988), work (Thompson, 1992), reminiscence
existence, integrating scientific knowledge and personal (Wong, 1989), and dreams (Taylor, 2001), to name a
experience. Critical thinking, defined as “actively few. The ability to create meaning and purpose in all
and skilfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, mental and physical experiences occupies the highest
synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered level of this particular ability.
from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, Transcendental Awareness (TA)
reasoning, or communication” (Scriven & Paul, 1992), The third component involves the capacity
more accurately reflects intelligence. to perceive transcendent dimensions of the self (e.g., a
Personal Meaning Production (PMP) transcendent self), of others, and of the physical world
The second core component is defined as the (e.g., nonmaterialism, interconnectedness) during the
ability to construct personal meaning and purpose in all normal, waking state of consciousness. The transcendent
physical and mental experiences, including the capacity is commonplace in definitions of spirituality (e.g., King et
to create and master a life purpose. Like existential al., 2001; Koenig et al., 2000; Martsolf & Mickley, 1998;
thinking, personal meaning is frequently described as a Sinnott, 2002), with one aspect of particular interest
component of spirituality (e.g., King, Speck, & Thomas, to the current model: awareness (Martsolf & Mickley,
70 International Journal of Transpersonal Studies King & DeCicco
1988). Pascual (1990) proposed that transcendental Collectively, these various abstractions represent what is
awareness, particularly the awareness of a transcendental currently described as transcendent.
self, is a key factor of spiritual intelligence. Wolman Conscious state expansion (CSE)
(2001) explained this more broadly as the ability to The final component of the current model is
sense a spiritual dimension of life, reflecting what the ability to enter spiritual states of consciousness (e.g.,
James (1902/2002) had previously described as “a sense pure consciousness, cosmic consciousness, oneness) at
of present reality more diffused and general than that one’s own discretion. From a psychological perspective,
which our special senses yield” (p. 72). Other authors the distinction between transcendental awareness and
have concurred (e.g., Emmons, 2000a; Nasel, 2004; conscious state expansion is well supported (Tart, 1975).
Noble; 2001). The former must occur during the normal waking state,
Building on the work of Abraham Maslow, while the latter involves the ability to transcend this
Hamel, Leclerc, and Lefrançois (2003) have described an state and enter higher or spiritual states. A growing body
additional process of transcendent-actualization, which of research has demonstrated significant differences
they define as “a self-realization founded on an awareness in brain functioning between all levels and states of
and experience of a Spiritual Center, also called the Inner consciousness, including those associated with spiritual
Being or the Self” (p. 4). Csikszentmihalyi (1993) also experiences and meditation (for a review, see Cahn &
referred to the transcendent self, describing successful Polich, 2006; Vaitl et al., 2005). States commonly referred
individuals as transcenders who “move beyond the to as spiritual include cosmic consciousness (Bucke, as
boundaries of their personal limitations by integrating cited in James, 1902/2002), pure consciousness (e.g.,
individual goals with larger ones, such as the welfare Gackenbach, 1992), and unitive consciousness (Maslow,
of the family, the community, humanity, the planet, or 1964).
the cosmos” (p. 219). Similarly, Le and Levenson (2005) Expanded or altered states of consciousness are
described self-transcendence as “the ability to move deeply rooted aspects of religion and spirituality (James,
beyond self-centered consciousness, and to see things… 1902/2002; Maslow, 1964). As such, it is necessary to
with a considerable measure of freedom from biological consider a potential mental ability that might underlie
and social conditioning” (p. 444). The recognition the experience of these states, as Emmons (2000a)
and ongoing awareness of a transcendent self is a key correctly did in his own model of spiritual intelligence.
component of this capacity. Due to their phenomenological quality and potential
Hamel et al. (2003) recently identified two spontaneous occurrence (James, 1902/2002; Maslow,
components of Maslow’s (1971) metacognition (i.e., an 1964; Vaitl et al., 2005), however, the mere experience
expanded unitive consciousness). The first component is of such states does not constitute mental ability.
in-depth perception, described as the “ability to discern What is far less debatable is the capacity for
and explore the different aspects of one’s life and life entering these states at one’s own discretion. Vaitl et al.
in general, going beyond appearances” (Hamel et al., (2005) identified a set of altered states of consciousness
2003, p. 11) and developing “a perception of realities which are triggered by one’s own mental exercises, as
that ordinary consciousness cannot perceive but that in meditation and relaxation. Over a century earlier,
are common in contemplation” (p. 12). The second James (1902/2002) made a similar observation,
component is holistic perception, defined as the “ability noting that “the oncoming of mystical states may be
to perceive one’s life and life in general from a viewpoint facilitated by preliminary voluntary operations” (p.
independent of numerous attachments” (p. 11). It is 415). He also described a “methodical cultivation” (p.
further described as “an apprehension of reality with all its 436) of such altered states in various religions, some of
contradictions and incompatibilities, a global integrative which involve an “intellectual concentration” (p. 436).
vision of the essential core of beings and events” (p. Maslow (1964) agreed, stating that peak experiences are
12). These components describe cognitive abilities of “to some extent under our own control” (p. 32). More
perception and awareness, the targets of which are often recent psychological literature has reported individuals
said to exist outside of ordinary consciousness (to the who are highly skilled at entering spiritual or mystical
extent that they are not perceived by the physical senses), states of consciousness (e.g., Holmes, Solomon, Cappo,
including nonmaterialism, holism, interconnectedness, & Greenberg, 1983; Lehmann et al., 2001). Although
and transcendent aspects of the self and others. Gardner (2000) contended that the ability to enter such
Spiritual Intelligence International Journal of Transpersonal Studies 71
states is reflective of his bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, a 2001), and coping with HIV/AIDS (e.g., Mellors,
cognitive component is no less evident and fundamental 1999). Although research is limited, transcendental
to this capacity (James, 1902/2002; Vaitl et al., 2005). awareness likely invokes a sense of security, acting as
Adaptive applications a source of coping when material resources are lacking
Myriad studies have demonstrated an adaptive or insufficient. In regards to conscious state expansion,
role of spirituality in individuals suffering from a variety a variety of adaptive applications can be inferred from
of health conditions, including cancer (e.g., Holland research on meditation, which has revealed correlations
et al., 1999), spinal cord injuries (e.g., Matheis et al., with reduced physiological indicators of stress (e.g.,
2006), and substance abuse disorders (e.g., Piedmont, Alexander et al., 1989). One can further postulate that
2004), among others. Positive relationships have also this capacity would serve as a valuable coping method
been observed between spirituality and adaptability when faced with a crisis (existential or otherwise) due to
to parental loss (Greeff & Human, 2004) and career its anxiety-inhibiting effects (Vaitl et al., 2005).
transitions (Duffy & Blustein, 2005). It is from these Lifespan development
studies that the adaptive role of spiritual intelligence can Accumulating evidence suggests that spiritual
be generally inferred. capacities can emerge in childhood. Piechowski
There are particular situations in which spiritual (2001) noted many common themes in the spiritual
intelligence would prove highly adaptive: the existential experiences of children, including states of oneness
neurosis and the existential crisis. An existential and a sense of self beyond physical reality. Hay and
neurosis is “characterized by the belief that one’s life Nye (1998) identified children aged six to ten years
is meaningless” (Maddi, 1967, p. 313). Similarly, an who could describe their own techniques for entering
existential vacuum can result from a loss of meaning in life higher states of consciousness, including silent gazing,
or “the frustration of the will to meaning” (Frankl, 1969, prayer, and contemplating one’s origins and the origins
p. 45). Such existential crises can result from isolation, of the world. Gackenbach (1992) maintained that
the inevitability of death (Yalom, 1980), trauma (e.g., the whole range of higher states of consciousness can
Goddard, 2004), rapid cultural change (e.g., Madison, be experienced by children, in some cases at an adult
2006), and job loss (Hilpert, 1987). Highly developed level, indicating the existence of consciousness savants.
levels of critical existential thinking and personal Evans and Wellman (2006) also discussed a childhood
meaning production would prove particularly valuable, potential for existential reasoning which is contingent
facilitating both contemplation of the crisis and creation on the development of theory of mind.
of meaning within its framework, potentially preventing Adolescence and young adulthood appear to
many crises from ever fully developing. Maddi (1967) be marked by an expansion of all spiritual capacities,
suggested that one possible source of an existential resulting in part from identity formation and the
neurosis is a premorbid identity, in which “the person emergence of abstract reasoning (Ellsworth, 1999;
[considers] himself to be nothing more than…an Fitzgerald, 2005; Helminiak, 1987). According to
embodiment of biological needs” (p. 315), a conviction Parks (1986, 2000), individuals between the ages of
which would be inhibited (if not entirely prevented) by 17 and 30 develop in their meaning-making abilities
the perception of a transcendent self. and become more aware of their conception of reality.
Additional research has suggested that the Cook and Oltjenbruns (1982) also observed evidence
ability to construct meaning is adaptive in a variety of of significant development in existential skills during
circumstances, including depression, neuroticism, and high school. This development continues throughout
suicidal ideation (e.g., Mascaro & Rosen, 2005). When adulthood, as abilities deepen and contribute to the
faced with a stressor, personal meaning production awareness of a transcendent self (Hamel et al., 2003;
acts as a coping method by allowing an individual to Helminiak, 1987). In later adulthood, abilities peak in
construct meaning and purpose within the stressful many individuals as death approaches. According to
situation, thereby transforming it and reducing its Tornstam (2005), later stages of life are characterized
negative impact. It has also been demonstrated that by a redefinition of the perception of time, space, life,
perceptions of interconnectedness and a transcendent and death; the transcendence of the ego, of the physical
self are highly adaptive in substance abuse recovery body, and of material interests; and an increase in time
(Piedmont, 2004), depression (Ellermann & Reed, spent meditating on life.
72 International Journal of Transpersonal Studies King & DeCicco
This is not to say, however, that abilities cannot Study 1: Scale Development
peak in earlier stages of development. As suggested by
Noble (2000) and Vaughan (2002), spiritual experiences
contribute to the individual development of spiritual
A s suggested by Clark and Watson (1995), the
development of a sound theoretical model on
which test items are based is a crucial first step in scale
intelligence. Evidence, although limited, also supports development. The vast majority of researchers rely on a
the existence of individuals who are highly skilled and/ thorough literature review of the subject in order to infer
or gifted in their spiritual abilities (e.g., Emmons, 2000a; from previous research a model of the construct. This
Gackenbach, 1992; Holmes et al., 1993; Lehmann et has been the current approach. The purpose of Study 1
al., 2001; Lovecky, 1998; Piechowski, 1998), suggesting was to develop and test a preliminary self-report measure
that spiritual intelligence increases with both age and of spiritual intelligence.
experience. Method
Thus far, spiritual intelligence has satisfied the Item generation. An original pool of 84 items was
three primary criteria for intelligence: a set of characteristic developed based on the current theoretical conception of
mental abilities that are distinct from preferred behaviors, spiritual intelligence. Many items were modelled based on
the facilitation of adaptation and problem-solving, and previously established measures of spirituality, meaning,
development over the lifespan (Gardner, 1983; Mayer et and transcendence, while others were generated in order
al., 2000; Sternberg, 1997). Empirical evidence further to complete the full ranges of the four capacities. The
suggests that spiritual experiences and their related initial item pool was over-inclusive so as to avoid the
sensations display physiological correlates in the brain, exclusion of potential indicators of the construct (Clark
primarily in (but not limited to) the temporal lobes and & Watson, 1995). A multiple-choice, Likert-type scale
limbic system (for reviews and more detailed summaries was utilized, with responses ranging on a scale of 0 to
of related findings, see d’Aquili & Newberg, 1999; 4, representing the extent to which each statement was
Persinger, 1983, 2001; Ramachandran, 1998). It has also true for the respondent. In total, 12 reverse-coded items
been discovered that altered brain activity occurs during were included as indicators of internal reliability. The
heightened states of consciousness (e.g., Cahn & Polich, initial item pool was reviewed by 34 adults (including
2006; Persinger, 1983; Tart, 1975; for a review, see Vaitl professors of psychology, students, and members of the
et al., 2005). Although further research is required community) for logic and readability. Items were edited
on spiritual capacities in particular, these findings based on feedback, resulting in a preliminary draft of the
provide preliminary support for potential biological Spiritual Intelligence Self-Report Inventory (SISRI).
foundations of spiritual intelligence. As Emmons Participants. Respondents were 488 females
(2000a) noted, there is also a fair amount of evidence and 131 males (N = 619) enrolled in undergraduate
for the evolutionary plausibility of spiritual intelligence, psychology courses at Trent University in Peterborough,
with religious doctrine and dogma developing out of a Ontario, Canada. The mean age was 22.51 years (SD =
need to conceptualize, articulate, and interpret related 5.51; range = 17 to 59).
spiritual experiences (Love, 2002). Measures. Participants were asked to provide
The current model is not simply a reformulation demographic information (including sex and age) before
or redefinition of spirituality. Rather, its primary completing the preliminary 84-item Spiritual Intelligence
purpose is the identification of those mental capacities Self-Report Inventory (with 21 items measuring each of
and abilities related to human spirituality. To date, the four components of spiritual intelligence).
two self-report measures of spiritual intelligence have Procedure. Participation took place in classroom
been proposed (Amram & Dryer, 2007; Nasel, 2004), settings and lasted approximately 25 minutes. Each
yet neither has fully complied with leading criteria participant was asked to read and sign a consent form
for intelligence (Gardner, 1983; Mayer et al., 2000; prior to participation ensuring confidentiality and the
Sternberg, 1997). While it has been suggested that right to withdraw at any time without penalty.
measures of spirituality also tap aspects of spiritual Results
intelligence (Halama & Strizenec, 2004), Gardner’s Properties of the original 84-item SISRI.
(1983) criterion of psychometric evidence appears to be Descriptive statistics and response distributions were
lacking. The subsequent studies were carried out in order first examined for all 84 items. Although none reached
to address these issues. significance, slight skewness was observed for 15 of
Spiritual Intelligence International Journal of Transpersonal Studies 73
the items, which were deemed good candidates for Study 2: Scale Validity
removal. Cronbach’s alpha was .97, suggesting very high
internal consistency and reliability (a minimum of .80
is recommended; Clark & Watson, 1995; Worthington
T he primary purpose of Study 2 was to investigate
the factor structure of the Spiritual Intelligence
Self-Report Inventory (SISRI) in a subsequent sample.
& Whittaker, 2006). The average inter-item correlation Construct validity was examined by including additional
was .30, which falls in the suggested range of .15 to .50 measures of theoretically related and unrelated constructs
(Clark & Watson, 1995). (DeVellis, 1991). As is standard in scale development,
Exploratory factor analysis. All responses social desirability was also examined.
for the 84-item pool were subjected to a principal Hypothesis 1. Based on the theoretical
components analysis (EFA) with Varimax normalized conception of spiritual intelligence and the factor
rotation. Six factors were initially extracted and factor structure observed in Study 1, it was hypothesized that
loadings of .35 or higher were deemed significant (Clark a four-factor model of spiritual intelligence would reveal
& Watson, 1995). All eigenvalues met the suggested adequate fit to the data. Hypothesis 2. Based on the
minimum value of 1.0 in order for their corresponding current definition of personal meaning production, it
factors to be considered for retention (Clark & Watson, was hypothesized that a significant positive relationship
1995; Worthington & Whittaker, 2006). The third would be observed between this subscale of the SISRI
factor extracted was composed of all 12 reverse-coded and a measure of personal meaning. Hypothesis 3. Given
items, suggesting that these items were unstable. One that metapersonal self-construal has been described
of these items displayed a cross-loading on Factor 4 and as a more spiritual form of self-reference (DeCicco &
was considered for retention. The three items loading on Stroink, 2007), it was hypothesized that a significant
the sixth factor had no theoretical connection, leading positive relationship would be observed between the
to this factor’s removal. Items loading on factors 1, 2, SISRI and the metapersonal self. Hypothesis 4. Based
4, and 5 corresponded primarily to critical existential on the current definition of conscious state expansion, it
thinking, conscious state expansion, personal meaning was hypothesized that a significant positive relationship
production, and transcendental awareness, respectively. would be observed between mystical experiences and
Item Retention. The primary criterion for item this subscale of the SISRI. Hypothesis 5. The SISRI was
retention was theoretical necessity (as suggested by expected to display a non-significant to low correlation
Clark & Watson, 1995). As such, items were removed with extrinsic religiosity and a positive yet low to
only if such removal did not result in inadequate model moderate correlation with intrinsic religiosity. These
representation. All items with converging cross-loadings predictions were based on definitions of religiosity which
(with differences of less than .15; Clark & Watson, tend to relate the intrinsic orientation more closely to
1995) were considered for removal, as were those which spirituality (e.g., Pargament, 1997).
loaded on theoretically unrelated factors or displayed Method
no significant loadings whatsoever. Finally, a number of Participants. Respondents were 231 females
items were removed in order to reduce redundancy and and 74 males (N = 305) enrolled in undergraduate
to obtain a desirable scale length. In total, 42 items were psychology courses at Trent University in Peterborough,
retained, including 12 items measuring critical existential Ontario, Canada. The mean age was 25.56 years (SD =
thinking, 11 items measuring conscious state expansion, 10.93; range = 18 to 63).
9 items measuring personal meaning production, and 10 Demographics. A one-page survey of basic
items measuring transcendental awareness. demographic information accounted for sex, age,
Properties of the Reduced 42-Item SISRI. ethnicity, relationship status, and level of education.
Alpha for the 42-item pool was .96, which was slightly Measures. A total of six measures were utilized
lower than in the original 84-item pool but considered to evaluate participants.
an improvement to the data (Clark & Watson, 1995). The Spiritual Intelligence Self-Report Inventory
The average inter-item correlation was .36. When (SISRI). The 42-item draft of the SISRI, as developed in
subjected to a second principal components EFA, all four Study 1, was utilized in Study 2.
factors displayed eigenvalues above 1.0 and no residual The Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ;
correlations exceeded .14, adding confidence to the Steger, Frazier, Oishi, & Kaler, 2006). The MLQ
factors and items retained (Clark & Watson, 1995). is a 10-item self-report measure of personal meaning
74 International Journal of Transpersonal Studies King & DeCicco
composed of two subscales: presence of meaning (a form prior to participation ensuring confidentiality and
= .88) and search for meaning (a = .90). Validity and the right to withdraw at any time without penalty. The
reliability have been supported by Steger et al. (2006). ordering of questionnaires varied across participants so
The Metapersonal Self Scale (MPS; DeCicco as to reduce potential effects on response patterns (e.g.,
& Stroink, 2007). The MPS is a 10-item (a = .89) self- priming).
report measure of metapersonal self-construal, which Results
is the interpretation of one’s self as connected to all Properties of the 42-Item SISRI. Descriptive
life. This scale was found to be high in convergent and statistics and response distributions were first examined
discriminant validity by DeCicco and Stroink (2007). for the 42-item pool. No items displayed significant
The Mysticism Scale – Research Form D (MSD; skewness or kurtosis. Alpha for the SISRI-42 was .96,
Hood, 1975). The MSD is a 32-item (a = .94) self- which reflects observations in Study 1. The average inter-
report measure of mystical and spiritual experiences, item correlation was .36.
particularly those involving oneness, peace, timelessness, Confirmatory factor analysis. The structural
and wonder. While Hood (1975) suggested two factors equation modelling (SEM) module of Statistica 7.0
of intense experience of unity and affectively charged (Statsoft, 2006) was utilized for the confirmatory
religious revelation, Hood, Morris, and Watson (1993) factor analysis (CFA). The four-factor model observed
later proposed three factors of extrovertive mysticism, in Study 1 was investigated for its fit to the data in
religious interpretation, and introvertive mysticism. Study 2. Parameter estimates (maximum likelihood)
Scale validity and reliability have been well-supported by for all 42 manifest variables were significant. The
Hood (1975) and Hood et al. (1993). discrepancy function for the four-factor model was 6.96.
The Age Universal Intrinsic-Extrinsic Religiosity In addition to the chi-square goodness-of-fit (X  ²), the
Scale (AUIE; Gorsuch & Venable, 1983). The AUIE is following fit indices were examined (see Table 1): the
a 19-item, two-factor self-report measure of intrinsic root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA),
(a = .89) and extrinsic (a = .77) religious orientations. the goodness-of-fit index (GFI), the adjusted goodness-
Validity and reliability were supported by Gorsuch and of-fit index (AGFI), the standardized root mean square
Venable (1983). residual (SRMSR), and the comparative fit index (CFI).
The Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding These fit indices are commonly employed measures of
(BIDR; Paulhus, 1984). The BIDR is a 40-item self- CFA model fit (Schermelleh-Engel & Moosbrugger,
report measure composed of two factors related to 2003; Tabachnick & Fidell, 2007). The following cut-
socially desirable responding: self-deception (a = .72) off values were employed to determine adequacy: a
and impression management (a = .72). Internal and maximum X  ²/df ratio of 2.0; a maximum SRMSR of
external validity of the BIDR have been supported by .08; a minimum CFI of .95; a maximum RMSEA of
Paulhus (1984) and Lanyon and Carle (2007). .10; an RMSEA lower confidence limit of close to .05;
Procedure. Participation took place in a minimum AGFI of .85; and a minimum GFI of .90
classroom settings and lasted approximately 45 minutes. (Schermelleh-Engel & Moosbrugger, 2003; Tabachnick
Each participant was asked to read and sign a consent & Fidell, 2007).

Table 1
Fit Indices for Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the 42-Item SISRI
______________________________________________________________________________
X  ² RMSEA LCL UCL SRMSR GFI AGFI CFI df
______________________________________________________________________________
Value 2108.72* .080 .077 .084 .067 .726 .695 .832 813
______________________________________________________________________________
Note. LCL = RMSEA Lower Confidence Limit; UCL = RMSEA Upper Confidence Limit.
* p < .0001

Spiritual Intelligence International Journal of Transpersonal Studies 75

Tabachnick and Fidell (2007) noted that with and AGFI also met their recommended cut-off values
large sample sizes (over 200), the chi-square value is (see Table 2), further supporting good model fit. Given
almost always significant, and is therefore a poor indicator that the GFI and CFI closely approached their cut-off
of model fit. The chi-square/df ratio was calculated in values, it can be concluded that the four-factor model
order to gain a more meaningful summary of these displayed adequate fit to the data.
statistics. The four-factor model displayed a ratio of 2.59, In order to ensure adequate item loadings, the
which exceeded the recommended maximum value of final 24-item pool was also subjected to a principal
2.0 for good fit (Tabachnick & Fidell, 2007). While the components analysis. Four factors were extracted with
SRMSR and RMSEA met cut-offs for adequate fit, the eigenvalues supporting retention of all four factors. All
GFI, AGFI, and CFI did not, suggesting poor model fit factor loadings were significant above the .50 level (see
(see Table 1). Table 3). Although six items cross-loaded, they differed
Scale modification. Based on high residual from their highest loadings by at least .13, with all of
correlations, high item correlations, and redundancy, these loadings in the .35 to .40 range. These findings
five items were removed from the CET subscale; four add further confidence to the factor structure and item
items were removed from the PMP subscale; three items retention of the SISRI-24. All subsequent analyses were
were removed from the TA subscale; and six items were therefore based on participant responses for the 24-item
removed from the CSE subscale. This left a total of pool.
24 items for the final draft of the SISRI (subsequently Scale validity. All bivariate correlations are
dubbed the SISRI-24; see Appendix). presented in Table 4. In relation to the MLQ search for
Properties of the SISRI-24. The final 24-item meaning subscale, low to moderate correlations with the
pool displayed an alpha of .92, which represents a more total spiritual intelligence score (SI) and subscale scores
appropriate level of internal reliability (Clark & Watson, on the SISRI-24 were observed. In particular, CET
1995). Individual subscales of CET, PMP, TA, and CSE was the most significantly related subscale, r = .39 (p <
also displayed adequate alpha coefficients of .78, .78, .87, .001). Correlations with the MLQ presence of meaning
and .91, respectively. The average inter-item correlation subscale were far more significant overall. SI correlated at
was .34, with split-half reliability at the .91 level. These r = .44 (p < .001), followed closely by TA and CSE. CET
analyses suggest excellent psychometric properties of the did not correlate significantly with presence of meaning.
SISRI-24. In complete contrast, PMP correlated positively and
A confirmatory factor analysis of the SISRI- significantly with presence of meaning, r = .65 (p < .01),
24 revealed significant parameter estimates for all 24 yet displayed no significant correlation with search for
variables (see Figure 1) with a discrepancy function meaning.
of 1.53, indicating better model fit for the SISRI-24 Metapersonal self-construal displayed mod­
compared to the 42-item version (Tabachnick & Fidell, erate to high positive correlations with SI and all
2007). The X  ²/df ratio was 1.89, which fell under the subscales. Of the subscales, the highest correlation
recommended maximum value of 2.0 for good model occurred with TA, r = .63 (p < .01). Total mystical
fit (Tabachnick & Fidell, 2007). The SRMSR, RMSEA, experiences, including all potential MSD subscales,

Table 2
Fit Indices for Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the SISRI-24
______________________________________________________________________________
X² RMSEA LCL UCL SRMSR GFI AGFI CFI df
______________________________________________________________________________
Value 464.68* .055 .047 .062 .056 .886 .861 .934 246
______________________________________________________________________________
Note. LCL = RMSEA Lower Confidence Limit; UCL = RMSEA Upper Confidence Limit.
* p < .0001

76 International Journal of Transpersonal Studies King & DeCicco

Item R.E. Table 3
.50* 1 .75 Factor Loadings (Principal Components,
.55*
3 .70 Varimax Normalized) for the SISRI-24
.53*   _______________________________________
Critical 5 .72
Existential .59*
9 .65 Item Factor 1 Factor 2 Factor 3 Factor 4
Thinking .69*   _______________________________________
13 .52
.68* 1 .65* .14 -.11 .14
17 .54 2 .38 .14 .28 .59*
.50*
21 .75 3 .73* .01 .07 .07
4 .18 .77* .21 .30
5 .52* .14 .39 .05
.60*
6 .07 .24 .04 .66*
7 .16 .22 .63* .36
Item R.E.
.76* 8 .11 .85* .22 .21
7 .42 9 .53* .22 .18 .20
.59*
Personal 11 .66 10 .31 .16 .37 .59*
.54*
.77* Meaning 15 .71 11 .06 .21 .78* -.03
Making .71*
19 .50 12 .11 .83* .22 .15
.62* 13 .58* .15 .33 .25
23 .62
14 .19 .30 .15 .66*
15 -.07 .05 .53* .40
16 .13 .81* .12 .17
.74* 17 .54* .29 .12 .31
.53* Item R.E. 18 .24 .08 .29 .63*
.74*
2 .46 19 .21 .32 .68* .14
.57* 20 .29 .26 -.01 .70*
6 .68
.75* 21 .65* -.02 -.03 .18
Transcen- 10 .44 22 .21 .22 .20 .69*
.72*
.62* dental 14 .48 23 .04 .12 .57* .39
Awareness .68*
18 .54 24 .11 .75* .13 .25
.72*
20 .49 Eigen-
.73* values 8.86 2.12 1.63 1.33
22 .47   _______________________________________
* All marked loadings > .50
.61*

also correlated positively and significantly with SI

Item R.E.
.85* and all SISRI-24 subscales. Total mysticism was most
4 .27 significantly related to the subscales of TA and CSE, as
.91*
Conscious 8 .17 were all five subscales of the MSD. In terms of the AUIE,
.86*
State 12 .26 correlations between the SISRI-24 and intrinsic religiosity
Expansion .78*
16 .39 exceeded correlations with extrinsic religiosity. The self-
.72* deception and impression management subscales of the
Figure 1. 24 .38
BIDR displayed very mild positive correlations with SI,
CFA four-factor model for the SISRI-24 r = .16 (p < .05) and r = .15 (p < .05), respectively. Of
R.E. = Residual Error the factors, PMP displayed the highest correlations with
*Parameter estimates significant at p<.001 social desirability.
Spiritual Intelligence International Journal of Transpersonal Studies 77
Test-retest reliability. A small number of Inter-subscale correlations. According to
participants (n = 25) completed the SISRI on two leading intelligence theorists, an intelligence should
occasions, separated by a period of four months. Based consist of moderately interrelated abilities (Gardner,
on the 24-item pool, SI at Time 1 correlated significantly 1983; Mayer et al., 2000; Sternberg, 1997). In order to
with SI at Time 2, r = .89 (p < .001). Correlations for investigate the current model and measure’s adherence to
the subscales of CET, PMP, TA, and CSE at Time 1 this criterion, inter-subscale correlations were calculated
and Time 2 were .84 (p < .001), .69 (p < .001), .84 (p < for the SISRI-24 (see Table 5). All inter-subscale
.001), and .78 (p < .001), respectively. These correlations correlations were significant and moderate in strength,
support test-retest reliability (DeVellis, 1991). ranging from .42 to .61.

Table 4

Bivariate Correlations among Measures of Validity and SISRI-24 Total and Subscale Scores
___________________________________________________________________________________
Measure: Variable SI CET PMP TA CSE
___________________________________________________________________________________
MLQ: Search for Meaning (n = 271) .21** .39*** .05 .15* .03
MLQ: Presence of Meaning (n = 271) .44*** .10 .65** .38*** .38***
MPS: Metapersonal Self-Construal (n = 270) .67** .44*** .60** .63** .48***
MSD: Total Mysticism (n = 270) .63** .40*** .44*** .59** .57**
MSD: Extrovertive Mysticism (n = 270) .55** .36*** .34*** .52** .53**
MSD: Introvertive Mysticism (n = 270) .58** .39*** .39*** .52** .53**
MSD: Religious Interpretation (n = 270) .58** .33*** .48*** .56** .49***
MSD: Intense Experiences of Unity (n = 270) .59** .39*** .38*** .54** .56**
MSD: Affectively Charged Revelation (n = 270) .60** .34*** .49*** .58** .51**
AUIE: Intrinsic Religiosity (n = 265) .48*** .30*** .43*** .45*** .37***
AUIE: Extrinsic Religiosity (n = 265) .21** .19** .14* .20** .13*
BIDR: Self-Deception (n = 236) .16* -.04 .27*** .20** .15*
BIDR: Impression Management (n = 236) .15*  .01 .23*** .22** .06
___________________________________________________________________________________
Note. SI = Total Spiritual Intelligence; CET = Critical Existential Thinking; PMP = Personal
Meaning Production; TA = Transcendental Awareness; CSE = Conscious State Expansion.
* p < .05; ** p < .01; *** p < .001

Table 5
Inter-Subscale Bivariate Correlations of the SISRI-24 (N = 304)
  __________________________________________________________________________________________
CET PMP TA CSE
  __________________________________________________________________________________________
PMP .42*** --- .59** .52**
TA .61** .59** --- .56**
  _CSE .43*** .52** .56** ---
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Note. SI = Total Spiritual Intelligence; CET = Critical Existential Thinking; PMP = Personal Meaning Production;
TA = Transcendental Awareness; CSE = Conscious State Expansion.
** p < .01; *** p < .001

78 International Journal of Transpersonal Studies King & DeCicco

Demographic analyses. Demographic char­ Hypothesis 5 and supports construct validity. The
acter­istics were further investigated for their relationship relationship is also indicative of spiritual intelligence as
to the SISRI-24. Of mention was the finding that age an internalized set of components related to spirituality.
displayed positive and significant correlations with SI, r = In spite of the significance, it should be noted that
.28 (p < .001), as well as CET, PMP, TA, and CSE, r = .11 neither intrinsic nor extrinsic orientations displayed
(p < .05), r = .25 (p < .001), r = .28 (p < .001), and r = .26 high correlations with spiritual intelligence. This further
(p < .001), respectively. No significant differences were validates the construct, which is theoretically distinct
observed between males and females for SI, CET, PMP, from religiosity.
TA, or CSE scores (t-tests did not reach significance). Indicators of social desirability revealed low
Discussion correlations with scores on the SISRI-24. While social

B eginning with an over-inclusive pool of 84 items,

analyses of item distributions and factor structure
resulted in a final 24-item version of the SISRI,
desirability may have played a slight role in responses,
these correlations do not merit great concern due to their
size. Nevertheless, findings warrant further investigation
supporting the proposed model of spiritual intelligence of social desirability in subsequent studies of the SISRI-
and Hypothesis 1. As the SISRI was reduced in size, 24.
alpha was also reduced to a more desirable level of .92 Correlations with established psychometric
(Clark & Watson, 1995), suggesting that the 24 items scales have supported convergent, divergent, and
of the SISRI interrelate and combine to measure a single criterion-related validity. As Clark and Watson (1995)
construct. Split-half and test-retest reliability were also noted, however, the validation of a scale should be an
well supported. ongoing interest in the establishment of a new measure.
The finding that spiritual intelligence was more Additional indicators of theoretically related constructs,
significantly related to presence of meaning than search such as altruism (Vaughan, 2002), openness to experience
for meaning supports the validity of the SISRI, as presence (Noble, 2000), death acceptance (Reker, Peacock,
of meaning is more indicative of an ability to construct & Wong, 1987), and self-expansiveness (Friedman,
meaning and purpose. Based on correlations with the 1983) should be investigated. Due to the theoretical
personal meaning production subscale, the validity position that various intelligences should be distinct
of this particular capacity and Hypothesis 2 were also but moderately related (Gardner, 1983; Mayer et al.,
supported. Since presence of meaning might be described 2000), the SISRI-24 should be investigated in relation
as an outcome of this capacity, it can be inferred that to measures of emotional intelligence, IQ, and other
concurrent validity has been supported as well (DeVellis, previously proposed multiple intelligences, a critical step
1991). Strong positive correlations were observed in the validation of this construct.
between the metapersonal self and spiritual intelligence, The four components of spiritual intelligence
further supporting the scale’s convergent validity and were observed to moderately interrelate, a criterion
Hypothesis 3. Of the subscales, the MPS correlated suggested by Gardner (1983) and Mayer et al. (2000) in
most significantly with transcendental awareness. This the establishment of new intelligences. This also supports
supports the validity of this particular capacity, which the inclusion of critical existential thinking within the
involves the perception of both a transcendental self and framework of a spiritual ability set, which contrasts
interconnectedness, two qualities related to metapersonal Halama and Strizenec’s (2004) position that spiritual
self-construal (DeCicco & Stroink, 2007). intelligence is either a distinct ability set or a component
Hypothesis 4 was also confirmed. Highly of a broader existential intelligence. A significant positive
significant and positive correlations were observed correlation was also observed between spiritual intelligence
between conscious state expansion and mystical and age, lending potential support to the development
experiences, including all subscales of the MSD, of spiritual intelligence over the lifespan. Although low,
supporting convergent validity. These findings may this correlation may be indicative of the continuing
lend further support to the criterion-related validity of development of spiritual intelligence in early adulthood,
conscious state expansion, as theory dictates that mystical which reflects models of spiritual development proposed
experiences are the products of this capacity. The finding by Helminiak (1987) and Alexander et al. (1990). Future
that spiritual intelligence was more significantly related research should investigate this relationship by means of
to intrinsic religiosity than extrinsic religiosity verifies longitudinal studies.
Spiritual Intelligence International Journal of Transpersonal Studies 79
One major limitation of this research was its “neither IQ nor [emotional intelligence], separately or in
exclusive sampling of Canadian university students. combination, is enough to explain the full complexity of
Although Clark and Watson (1995) claimed that human intelligence, nor the vast richness of the human
student populations serve as appropriate participant soul and imagination” (p. 23). The recent influx of
pools for scale development, the scale’s factor structure publications on spiritual intelligence (e.g., Amram, 2007;
and validity should be investigated in a community Emmons, 2000a; Nasel, 2004; Noble, 2000; Vaughan,
sample, so as to confirm its appropriateness for such 2002; Wolman, 2001; Zohar & Marshall, 2000) has
populations. Furthermore, cross-cultural research is further emphasized the need for the construct’s accurate
needed in order to confirm the scale’s universal utility. identification. The current model and measure have
Examining the SISRI-24 in populations expected to be provided new insight and support, contributing to the
high in spiritual intelligence (e.g., meditation groups) viability of a construct which merges spirituality and
would further aid in the scale’s validation. Although the intelligence, two aspects of human psychology that have
scale has been developed free of religious terminology, often been at considerable odds.
information regarding its validity across religious groups
would be highly informative. Language and culture may Acknowledgements
ultimately represent the greatest barriers to the scale’s
universal application (e.g., the word “consciousness” may The authors would like to thank Drs. Gary Reker,
prove a challenge in cross-cultural research). Carlyle Smith, Kevin Peters, and Geoffrey Navara for
The focus of the current model has been on their support and knowledgeable counsel. The first author
cognitive ability as opposed to preferred ways of behaving was also supported by a graduate scholarship award from
(i.e., traits; Mayer & Salovey, 1993), reflecting criteria the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
for intelligence as noted by Mayer et al. (2000) in their (SSHRC) of Canada.
proposed model of emotional intelligence. This criterion
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Worthington, E. L., & Sandage, S. J. (2001). Religion (CSE) 12. I am able to move freely between levels of
and spirituality. Psychotherapy, 38, 473-478. consciousness or awareness.
Worthington, R. L., & Whittaker, T. A. (2006). Scale (CET) 13. I frequently contemplate the meaning of
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awareness.
Zohar, D., & Marshall, I. (2000). SQ: Connecting with our (CET) 17. I have often contemplated the relationship
spiritual intelligence. New York, NY: Bloomsbury. between human beings and the rest of the
universe.
Appendix (TA) 18. I am highly aware of the nonmaterial
aspects of life.
The Spiritual Intelligence (PMP) 19. I am able to make decisions according to
Self-Report Inventory (SISRI-24) my purpose in life.
Read each statement carefully and choose which one of (TA) 20. I recognize qualities in people which
the five possible responses best reflects you. Please answer are more meaningful than their body,
honestly and make responses based on how you actually personality, or emotions.
are rather than how you would like to be. (CET) 21. I have deeply contemplated whether or not
there is some greater power or force (e.g.,
0 – Not at all true of me god, goddess, divine being, higher energy,
1 – Not very true of me etc.).
2 – Somewhat true of me (TA) 22. Recognizing the nonmaterial aspects of life
3 – Very true of me helps me feel centered.
4 – Completely true of me (PMP) 23. I am able to find meaning and purpose in
my everyday experiences.
(CET) 1. I have often questioned or pondered the (CSE) 24. I have developed my own techniques for
nature of reality. entering higher states of consciousness or
(TA) 2. I recognize aspects of myself that are deeper awareness.
than my physical body.
(CET) 3. I have spent time contemplating the purpose Note. Left-hand column indicates corresponding
or reason for my existence. subscales and should not be included in formal use.
(CSE) 4. I am able to enter higher states of CET = Critical Existential Thinking; PMP =
consciousness or awareness. Personal Meaning Production; TA = Transcendental
(CET) 5. I am able to deeply contemplate what Awareness; CET = Conscious State Expansion.
happens after death.
A total Spiritual Intelligence score is calculated
(TA) 6. It is difficult for me to sense anything other
by summing all subscale scores. Blank lines
than the physical and material.*
(PMP) 7. My ability to find meaning and purpose in should be provided for participant responding.
life helps me adapt to stressful situations. * Item is reverse-scored.
(CSE) 8. I can control when I enter higher states of
consciousness or awareness. About the Authors
(CET) 9. I have developed my own theories about such
things as life, death, reality, and existence.
David King completed his Master’s degree at Trent
(TA) 10. I am aware of a deeper connection between
University and is currently a PhD student at the
myself and other people.
(PMP) 11. I am able to define a purpose or reason for University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.
my life. His general areas of interest include health, stress and
coping, spirituality, and dreams.

84 International Journal of Transpersonal Studies King & DeCicco

Teresa L. DeCicco, PhD, is an Associate Professor
of Psychology at Trent University in Peterborough,
Canada. Her areas of research include self psychology,
health psychology, dreams as therapy, and the scientific
investigation of dream imagery and their meaning to
waking day life. Her applied practice involves conducting
illness recovery and dream workshops in Canada, the
U.S., India, and Europe.

Correspondence should be addressed to D. King,

Department of Psychology, 2136 West Mall, University
of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia,
V6T 1Z4, Canada. Email: [email protected],
Telephone: 604 822-4729, Fax: 604 822-6923.

Spiritual Intelligence International Journal of Transpersonal Studies 85