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Transpersonal Psychology might loosely be called the psychology of spirituality and of those areas of the human mind which search for higher meanings in life, and which move beyond the limited boundaries of the ego to access an enhanced capacity for wisdom, creativity, unconditional love and compassion. It honours the existence of transpersonal experiences, and is concerned with their meaning for the individual and with their effect upon behaviour.
In addition to drawing upon many areas of Western scientific psychology, Transpersonal Psychology seeks insights from Eastern psycho-spiritual traditions, philosophy, theology, religion, phenomenology, anthropology, sociology, and from studies of mystiscm and of humanistic and transpersonal therapies. It also focuses upon typologies of spiritual and subtle experiences, and upon their consequences for thought and behaviour.
Specifically the Section is concerned to explore the following:
- The nature, history and purpose of transpersonal psychology.
- The influence of transpersonal experiences and beliefs upon the behaviour, performance and psychological well-being of individuals and groups.
- The consequences of spiritual and religious experience and beliefs upon individuals, groups and cultures, and upon a variety of human behaviours such as painting, sculpture, music and the other creative arts.
- The vast potential for human psychological health and growth beyond currently accepted norms.
- The relationship between personality, motivation and the qualities of love, empathy and compassion, particularly in the context of personal growth, of transpersonal aspirations beliefs and experiences, and of the mind-body-spirit relationship.
- The role of transpersonal psychology in exploring mystical, transcendental and peak experiences and other altered states of consciousness, and the psychological factors that may contribute to these experiences.
- The effect of the creative arts, permitted and non-permitted drugs and psychological states on the presence and nature of transpersonal experiences.
- The efficacy of transpersonal therapeutic practices and techniques in spiritual healing and psychotherapy, and in the enhancement of human potential and psychological well-being.
- The psychology of religion and of spiritual beliefs and experiences.
- Eastern psycho-spiritual traditions such as Buddhism and Hinduism and the efficacy of their practices and techniques, for example meditation, contemplation, visualisation and mind-body work.
- The appropriateness and efficacy of the various research methods used for studying transpersonal experiences.
- So-called paranormal phenomena such as near-death experiences and telepathy.
The Section develops and maintains links, both nationally and internationally, with other scientific bodies concerned with transpersonal psychology. It acquires and disseminates information on the subject, and encourages lively debate in order to increase its accessibility to a steadily increasing body of interest. It holds an annual residential conference involving experiential workshops and academic papers, and offers day events during the course of the year. Section members, unwaged and full-time students are given reduced rates to all events. Subscription includes a substantial publication, The Transpersonal Psychology Review issued three or four times a year, which contains peer reviewed articles, book reviews, Section news and less formal personal submissions. Return to home page.
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