“To Learn More” Student Essays
Personality Theories, Eighth Edition - Engler
Transpersonal Psychology
Abraham Maslow’s core concepts of self-actualization and peak experiences suggest that human experience is, at least at times, in contact with entities outside of the self. These concepts helped to develop the field of transpersonal psychology, which fully embraces the idea that a desire to connect to the spiritual dimension is a normal part of human functioning. Although few personality theorists have tried to incorporate transpersonal concepts into their theories, there are others in addition to Maslow. For example, Carl Jung used the term “transpersonal” in describing the collective unconscious.
Today, transpersonal psychology is a rapidly developing theory within the field of psychology. Transpersonal psychology emphasizes that people strive for experiences in which they associate with something or someone “beyond” themselves. In some cases, this connection can take the form of a religious experience, perhaps in the context of organized religion, or perhaps in the context of an entirely personal religious experience unaffected by organized or shared religious beliefs. In other cases, the experience can be described as a connection to a higher being, or an interaction with the divine, or a communion with nature. In any form, a transpersonal experience differs qualitatively from everyday, ordinary “within” the self experiences, and represents an attempt to fulfill ones potential as a human being. According to transpersonal theory, as a person becomes more capable of experiencing the transpersonal, he/she advances to stages of human development beyond those which have been recognized by traditional theories of development.
In some ways, transpersonal psychology overlaps with positive psychology as defined by Martin Seligman and others. Both theories emphasize the potentials, strengths, and positive strivings of human beings. This emphasis stands in contrast to the many theories of personality that focus on pathology and abnormality. Both theories acknowledge that within each individual, there is something special, or divine, or resilient. Both theories can influence practicing psychologists as well, such that the psychologist works to maximize the inherent assets within the client rather than merely attempting to reduce symptoms of a disorder. That is, the goal of psychotherapy informed by transpersonal psychology theory is beyond the return of the client to “normal” functioning; instead, the goal centers on attainment of a connection to the spiritual or divine.
Critical Thinking Questions:
- Transpersonal psychology is recognized as a growing trend in personality psychology. In your opinion, why would this approach be on the rise currently?
- For what kinds of psychotherapy clients would psychotherapy that emphasizes transpersonal psychologyideas be most and least beneficial?
- What are the similarities and differences between transpersonal psychology and positive psychology?
Web Links:
Website of the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology.
Website of the Association for Transpersonal Psychology.
Excerpts from the Textbook of Transpersonal Psychiatry and Psychology, edited by Bruce W. Scotton, Allan B. Chinen, and John R. Battista.