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Full-Text Articles in Psychology

Electronic Dance Music Events As Modern-Day Ritual, Audrey Redfield, Marie I. Thouin-Savard Sep 2017

Electronic Dance Music Events As Modern-Day Ritual, Audrey Redfield, Marie I. Thouin-Savard

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

Electronic dance music (EDM) events may function as a ritual space for psycho-spiritual exploration and personal development, often linked to the occurrence of non-ordinary states of consciousness in participants. This paper reviews the literature addressing the spiritual, religious, and transpersonal facets of participants’ experiences at EDM events, with an emphasis on the subsequent integration of these experiences into daily life. Several empirical studies conducted in the past two decades, of which the most recent was conducted by the first author of the present paper (Redfield, 2017, this issue), provides grounds to argue that EDM events can be vectors for enhancing …


Intimations Of A Spiritual New Age: I. The Spiritual Emergence And Personal Tragedy Of A Universalized Christian Mysticism In The Life And Work Of Simone Weil, Harry T. Hunt Sep 2017

Intimations Of A Spiritual New Age: I. The Spiritual Emergence And Personal Tragedy Of A Universalized Christian Mysticism In The Life And Work Of Simone Weil, Harry T. Hunt

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

This is the first in a projected series on the envisionings during the crisis years of the 1930s of a future spiritual New Age consequent on the coming globalization of an individualist, capitalist, technologically driven world economy. In very different ways Jung, the philosophers Bergson and Heidegger, the historian Toynbee, and Wilhelm Reich, foresaw an emergent New Age consistent with a post-modern secular culture. Others such as Teilhard de Chardin, Krishnamurti, and Gurdjieff anticipated their own potential universalizing of more mystical aspects of the world religions. Simone Weil’s version of an essentialized mystical Christianity is part of the latter attempts, …


An Analysis Of The Experiences And Integration Of Transpersonal Phenomena Induced By Electronic Dance Music Events, Audrey Redfield Sep 2017

An Analysis Of The Experiences And Integration Of Transpersonal Phenomena Induced By Electronic Dance Music Events, Audrey Redfield

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

Electronic dance music (EDM) events are attended by millions of people all over the world. While prior research uncovered the spiritual and religious elements as well as the transpersonal nature of EDM events, this preliminary study further explored the types of transpersonal phenomena that participants experience at EDM events and their subsequent integration of these experiences into daily life. A semi-structured, in-depth interview was used to explore this topic with 12 EDM participants. A thematic analysis was conducted on the data. Findings suggested that EDM events have the potential to foster interpersonal relationships with the numinous, spiritual beings, and human …


The Extreme Phronesis Of Percy Cerutty: A Narrativized Life History Of A Legendary Sports Coach, David Turner Sep 2017

The Extreme Phronesis Of Percy Cerutty: A Narrativized Life History Of A Legendary Sports Coach, David Turner

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

This paper presents and interprets a narrativized coaching life history of the Australian athletics coach Percy Cerutty (1895-1975). Through a relational process of self-improvement and practical wisdom sometimes called phronesis, Cerutty exemplifies an intimate interconnectedness with his own and others’ experiences, with the natural environment, and with the transformative capacities of such influences, as often highlighted in transpersonal literature. Three potential themes are offered from the resultant meaning-making: a feel for the game, phronesis, and the coach as a paradoxical figure. Those themes are also interwoven with a consideration of how Cerutty’s story and practices might link to aspects of …


Table Of Contents/Masthead Sep 2017

Table Of Contents/Masthead

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

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Introduction To The Special Topic Section: The Taylor-Hartelius Debate On Psychology And Spirituality, Brian Les Lancaster, Harris L. Friedman Sep 2017

Introduction To The Special Topic Section: The Taylor-Hartelius Debate On Psychology And Spirituality, Brian Les Lancaster, Harris L. Friedman

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

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The Measurement Of Spirituality In Children: An Evaluation Of The Expressions Of Spirituality Inventory–Revised (Esi–R) With A Sample Of Peruvian School Children, Diana M. Mendez, Douglas A. Macdonald Sep 2017

The Measurement Of Spirituality In Children: An Evaluation Of The Expressions Of Spirituality Inventory–Revised (Esi–R) With A Sample Of Peruvian School Children, Diana M. Mendez, Douglas A. Macdonald

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

Using a sample of 263 male Peruvian school children of ages ranging from 11 to 16 years, a Spanish translation of the Expressions of Spirituality Inventory- Revised (ESI-R; MacDonald, 2000a, 2000b) was evaluated in terms of its reliability and factorial validity. Examination of the internal consistency of the five ESI-R dimensions revealed somewhat mediocre reliability with Cronbach’s alphas ranging from .56 to .73 across all dimensions. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) also provided somewhat mixed support for the ESI-R; while all but one of the items produced significant loadings on their intended factors, fit indices indicated problems with model fit for …


Table Of Contents / Masthead Sep 2017

Table Of Contents / Masthead

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

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Transpersonal And Psychology: An Experiment In Inclusivity And Rigor (Editor’S Introduction), Glenn Hartelius, Stanley Krippner, Marie I. Thouin-Savard Sep 2017

Transpersonal And Psychology: An Experiment In Inclusivity And Rigor (Editor’S Introduction), Glenn Hartelius, Stanley Krippner, Marie I. Thouin-Savard

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

N/A


Sensory Dots, No-Self, And Stream-Entry: The Significance Of Buddhist Contemplative Development For Transpersonal Studies, Charles D. Laughlin Sep 2017

Sensory Dots, No-Self, And Stream-Entry: The Significance Of Buddhist Contemplative Development For Transpersonal Studies, Charles D. Laughlin

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

Based on the author’s nearly 50 years of meditation, it is observed that as a given alternative state is accessed and used over the span of years, experiences and capacities within that state are not merely static but may themselves shift as a practitioner develops neuropsychologically. An ethnographer using a substance within the context of a cultural practice may gain helpful direct insights into that cultural practice, but the researcher may fail to realize that the state attained by a novice may be substantively different from that gained by an elder or shaman with years of experience in the practice. …


Retrieving Realism: A Whiteheadian Wager, Matthew T. Segall Sep 2017

Retrieving Realism: A Whiteheadian Wager, Matthew T. Segall

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

This essay argues that the organic realism of Alfred North Whitehead (1861-1947) provides a viable alternative to anti-realist tendencies in modern and postmodern philosophy since Descartes. The metaphysical merits of Whitehead’s philosophy of organism are unpacked in conversation with Hubert Dreyfus and Charles Taylor’s recent book Retrieving Realism (2015). Like Dreyfus and Taylor, Whitehead’s philosophical project was motivated by a desire to heal the modern epistemic wound separating soul from world in order to put human consciousness back into meaningful contact with reality. While Dreyfus and Taylor’s book succeeds in articulating the problem cogently, its still too phenomenological answer remains …


Introduction To The Special Topic Section On Transpersonal Measures Of Spirituality, Gabriel S. Crane, Glenn Hartelius, Glenn Hartelius Sep 2017

Introduction To The Special Topic Section On Transpersonal Measures Of Spirituality, Gabriel S. Crane, Glenn Hartelius, Glenn Hartelius

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

N/A


Factor Validity And Internal Consistency Of The Expressions Of Spirituality Inventory – Revised (Esi-R): The Czech Context, Vit Gabrhel, Stanislav Ježek Sep 2017

Factor Validity And Internal Consistency Of The Expressions Of Spirituality Inventory – Revised (Esi-R): The Czech Context, Vit Gabrhel, Stanislav Ježek

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

This study is the first attempt to examine the validity of the Expressions of Spirituality Inventory (ESI-R) for use in the Czech context. Data were obtained via online survey from 222 emerging adults (18-25 years; 82% women), with a background in helping professions. Structural equation modelling revealed reasonably good support for structural validity of the ESI-R factor model. In addition, all of the dimension scores showed acceptable inter-item consistency. However, our findings presumptively point to problems with measurement non-invariance as some items were observed to correlate with different dimensions than expected. Overall, these findings are consistent with cross-cultural research on …


Psychometric Properties Of A Spanish Adaptation Of The Expressions Of Spirituality Inventory–Revised (Esi–R), Elena López, Rafael Jódar, Douglas A. Macdonald Sep 2017

Psychometric Properties Of A Spanish Adaptation Of The Expressions Of Spirituality Inventory–Revised (Esi–R), Elena López, Rafael Jódar, Douglas A. Macdonald

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

A Spanish adapted version of the Expressions of Spirituality Inventory- Revised (ESI-R; MacDonald, 2000a, 2000b), a 30-item measure of a five factor model of spirituality, was administered to a sample of 376 adults along with Spanish adaptations of the NEO-FFI personality inventory (Manga, Ramos, & Morán, 2004), the Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-Being (Díaz et al., 2006), and the SA-45 psychopathology symptoms questionnaire (Sandín, Valiente, Chorot, Santed, & Lostao, 2008). Reliability analyses of the five ESI-R dimension scores produced inter-item consistency coefficients ranging from .83 to .97. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analytic results are consistent with other published research and …


Adversarial Collaboration: How Free And Open Debate Leads To Better Transpersonal Ideas (Editor's Introduction), Marie I. Thouin-Savard Sep 2017

Adversarial Collaboration: How Free And Open Debate Leads To Better Transpersonal Ideas (Editor's Introduction), Marie I. Thouin-Savard

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

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Bridging Transpersonal Ecosophical Concerns With The Hero’S Journey And Superheroes Through Comicbook Lore: Implications For Personal And Cultural Transformation, Mark A. Schroll, Claire Polansky Sep 2017

Bridging Transpersonal Ecosophical Concerns With The Hero’S Journey And Superheroes Through Comicbook Lore: Implications For Personal And Cultural Transformation, Mark A. Schroll, Claire Polansky

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

This paper explores how mythical figures and comicbook superheroes can 1) inspire personal growth, social and planetary change, and 2) explicate aspects of the deep ecology movement and transpersonal ecosophy that invite further academic inquiry while at the same time 3) speak to concerns that ignite the interests of popular culture and personal mythology. Likewise the ecopsychological significance of modern fictional characters in comicbooks, graphic novels, and films will be examined. It is divided into two parts. Part 1 provides a theoretical examination of how definitions of the terms myth and hero and hero’s journey are framed, and their implications …


Introduction To The Special Topic Section: Spiritual Emergency And Spiritual Emergence, Ted Esser Sep 2017

Introduction To The Special Topic Section: Spiritual Emergency And Spiritual Emergence, Ted Esser

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

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Spiritual Emergency: The Understanding And Treatment Of Transpersonal Crises, Christina Grof, Stanislav Grof Sep 2017

Spiritual Emergency: The Understanding And Treatment Of Transpersonal Crises, Christina Grof, Stanislav Grof

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

There exists increasing evidence that many individuals experiencing episodes of nonordinary states of consciousness accompanied by various emotional, perceptual, and psychosomatic manifestations are undergoing an evolutionary crisis rather than suffering from a mental disease (Grof, 1985). The recognition of this fact has important practical and theoretical consequences. If properly understood and treated as difficult stages in a natural developmental process, these experiences—spiritual emergencies or transpersonal crises—can result in emotional and psychosomatic healing, creative problem-solving, personality transformation, and consciousness evolution. is fact is reflected in the term “spiritual emergency,” which suggests a crisis, but also suggests the potential for rising to …


Psychosis Or Spiritual Emergency: The Potential Of Developmental Psychopathology For Differential Diagnosis, Kevin O. St. Arnaud, Damien C. Cormier Sep 2017

Psychosis Or Spiritual Emergency: The Potential Of Developmental Psychopathology For Differential Diagnosis, Kevin O. St. Arnaud, Damien C. Cormier

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

This paper reviews the nosological systems in the field of psychology, comparing the classic medical model with a developmental approach to psychopathology and wellbeing. The argument is made that a developmental model offers greater refinement for distinguishing phenomenologically similar experiential states. Due to their substantial overt resemblance, a contrast between spiritual emergencies and pathological psychotic reactions is presented as an example. To make this comparison, the nature and etiology of psychotic disorders is reviewed, underscoring their developmental, as opposed to spontaneous, origins. This is followed by a brief overview of spirituality and its place in psychological wellbeing and development. Finally, …


Self-Transformation Through The Experience And Resolution Of Mental Health Crises, Guy Albert Sep 2017

Self-Transformation Through The Experience And Resolution Of Mental Health Crises, Guy Albert

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

This study investigated the spiritually positive self-transformation resulting from the experience and resolution of a mental health crisis. To participate in this study, a person’s experience needed to meet 4 criteria: The individual (a) experienced a crisis affecting self-concept and reality testing, which (b) resulted in a transformation that (c) was spiritually positive—that is, integrative and meaningful— and (d) they had no current acute mental health conditions. The study was conducted in 2 phases, the first of which used assessment instruments to evaluate participants’ (N = 35) appropriateness for this study relative to the above criteria. In the second phase, …


The Return Of Perennial Perspectives? Why Transpersonal Psychology Should Remain Open To Essentialism, Steve Taylor Sep 2017

The Return Of Perennial Perspectives? Why Transpersonal Psychology Should Remain Open To Essentialism, Steve Taylor

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

In reply to Hartelius’s (2016) response to my paper “From Philosophy to Phenomenology: The Argument for a ‘Soft’ Perennialism” (Taylor, 2016a), I provide arguments in support of my model from contemporary scholars of mysticism, who advocate a move from a philosophically-based perennialism to a phenomenologically-based essentialism. This discussion illustrates that perennialist perspectives are far from outmoded. I discuss the metaphysical aspects of my model, suggesting that there is no reason why transpersonal psychology should not address metaphysical issues, as long as they are secondary to phenomenological issues, and as long as they are based on evidence rather than wholly speculative. …


Zombie Perennialism: An Intelligent Design For Psychology? A Further Response To Taylor's Soft Perennialism, Glenn Hartelius Sep 2017

Zombie Perennialism: An Intelligent Design For Psychology? A Further Response To Taylor's Soft Perennialism, Glenn Hartelius

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

In a recent paper Taylor has suggested that perennialist models are or should be resurgent within transpersonal psychology. However, perennialist models such as those of Wilber and Taylor are metaphysical philosophies of spirituality typical of New Age religions; while such systems may be studied by a psychology that considers human spirituality, they are not and should not be proffered as psychology. Claims that Taylor's soft perennialism are partly evidence based are compared with invalid claims that the narrative of Noah's flood or the Christian-based idea of intelligent design are partly evidence based. Critiques of Wilber's integral perennialism and Taylor's soft …


Keeping The Account Open: On Metaphysical Mistrust In Transpersonal Psychology (A Response To Hartelius, 2017), Steve Taylor Sep 2017

Keeping The Account Open: On Metaphysical Mistrust In Transpersonal Psychology (A Response To Hartelius, 2017), Steve Taylor

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

In response to Hartelius (2017), I suggest that the evidence for perennialism or essentialism can be tested, and is publicly accessible, through engagement with the spiritual practices that have given rise to cross-cultural mystical experiences with common characteristics. This suggests that essentialism could be included in transpersonal psychology (and psychology in general). I suggest that there is no reason why transpersonal psychology should exclude metaphysical claims, as long as they are inferred or implied by research and evidence, explicitly stated and viewed as secondary. It is impossible to avoid metaphysics, and it is important for transpersonal psychologists (and all psychologists …


Circular Reasoning Is Not The Uroboros: Rejecting Perennialism As A Psychological Theory, Glenn Hartelius Sep 2017

Circular Reasoning Is Not The Uroboros: Rejecting Perennialism As A Psychological Theory, Glenn Hartelius

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

Efforts to present valid evidence for perennialist models do not withstand critical scrutiny. One strategy common to most versions of perennialism points to perceived patterns in reports of spiritual experiences, whether from traditional, clinical, or phenomenological accounts as evidence for such an approach; the shortcoming is that these same patterns are the basis for perennialist premises. Offering one’s premises as evidence for their conclusions is circular reasoning, and does not constitute valid support for an idea. Pointing to similarities between reports of spiritual or other transformative experiences is what inspires perennialist models, but is not evidence for their validity. Careful …


Taylor’S Soft Perennialism: Psychology Or New Age Spiritual Vision?, Glenn Hartelius Sep 2017

Taylor’S Soft Perennialism: Psychology Or New Age Spiritual Vision?, Glenn Hartelius

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

Taylor has responded to critiques of his soft perennialism model in relationship to what he has called awakening experiences. The fact that some individuals have this type of experience away from the context of religion or spirituality, according to soft perennialism, is explained by a sort of landscape of experience representing the diverse ways in which one may engage with and experience this essential beingness. While this inspiring vision could possibly be true, just as numerous other speculations about ultimate reality might be true; however, the evidence advanced in support of soft perennialism notion is not valid in the context …


Moving Beyond Materialism: Can Transpersonal Psychology Contribute To Cultural Transformation?, Steve Taylor Sep 2017

Moving Beyond Materialism: Can Transpersonal Psychology Contribute To Cultural Transformation?, Steve Taylor

International Journal of Transpersonal Studies

The issue of whether it is possible to separate science and metaphysics is discussed, with reference to William James and the writings of quantum physicists. The metaphysical framework of scientific materialism is analysed and some of its key assumptions are identified. It is suggested that these assumptions are becoming increasingly untenable, as is evident by the advocacy of post-materialist science by some contemporary scientists. The main appeal of transpersonal psychology to students and practitioners is arguably its lack of allegiance to a materialist metaphysics. Rather than allying itself to the metaphysical paradigm of naturalistic science or attempting to bracket out …