Intense personal experiences: Subjective effects, interpretations, and after-effects

Abstract

Following leads by Maslow (1964, 1968) and others who described peak experiences, this study was designed to learn more about the (1) subjective effects; (2) after‐effects; and (3) interpretations of intense positive and negative experiences. Comparisons were made between respondents' “most positive” and “most negative” experiences and between these positive experiences and those of members of a yoga ashram. It was found that except for the differences in affect, positive and negative experiences were similar in subjective effects and impact on later life. The most positive experience of most respondents fell short of peak experience as described by Maslow. On the other hand, the most positive experience of ashram respondents showed evidence of a genuine alternation of consciousness and lasting life change afterward. The results suggest that only in rare instances is therapeutic change or self‐actualization initiated by peak experiences. Implications are discussed.

Development of Specific Aspects of Spirituality during a 6-Month Intensive Yoga Practice

“…Ashram respondents showed a higher percentage of positive responses on a number of indices, including “Felt a personality change,” “Experience resulted in change in life,” “Experience of oneness,” and “In touch with divine or spiritual” [13]. These data would support the notion that yoga practice may enhance transformational processes, including spiritual, transcendent states.…”

“…A study of members of a yoga ashram revealed that they showed statistically greater psychological characteristics of state of consciousness, and after-effects and interpretation of positive life experiences than those experienced by a control group of non-ashram residents [13]. Ashram respondents showed a higher percentage of positive responses on a number of indices, including “Felt a personality change,” “Experience resulted in change in life,” “Experience of oneness,” and “In touch with divine or spiritual” [13].…”

Space Psychology and Psychiatry

“…personal crises; hence, negative stressors can produce positive change [Cordova et al, 2001;Wilson and Spencer, 1990]. Positive stressors can bring about positive change as well, especially when the positive experience is deliberately sought out.…”

Wild epiphany: Turning youth care inside out.

“…The lessening of negative affectivity, as reported in the literature (Christopher et al, 2002;Wilson and Spencer, 1990) is clearly an aspect of the peak phenomenon; this effect appears evident in the data collected for this study.…”

“…reported greater feelings of self confidence, self acceptance, self worth, and self regard, a marked increase in autonomy and authenticity, and an increased appreciation and need for solitude" (p.606). Wilson and Spencer (1990), examine the relationship between intense personal experiences (peak experiences), and positive personal growth, in their psychology based work.…”