The Challenges, Prospects, and Promise of Transpersonal Psychology

Abstract

Several substantial critiques remain a source of fractionalizing debate within transpersonal psychology, including the weakness of its definition, whether it is redundant with Wilber's integral psychology, whether it is a scientific field, whether it is too metaphysical, whether it neglects the problem of evil, and what contribution can it make to mainstream psychology. This article explicates these and related areas of critique and provides a response that identifies the essential challenges and future prospects of transpersonal psychology. The article also emphasizes the field's unique role as a potential bridge connecting psychological science with the transpersonal psyche in a way that can more fully recognize the importance of the latter.

Workplace Spirituality and Person–Organization Fit Theory: Development of a Theoretical Model

“…Transpersonal psychology as a psychology of spiritual experience could serve as a bridge between workplace spirituality and PO fit theory in two ways. First, a central feature in workplace spirituality is the self, (Sheep & Foreman, 2012) and transpersonal psychology offers a more holistic and integrative explanation of self (Lancaster, 2004), human potential and abilities (Cunningham, 2007). Second, understanding the whole person in an intimate relationship with a diverse and interconnected world could further help to understand the antecedent factors, interactive effects and outcomes of workplace spirituality and PO fit.…”

Traditional Roots, History, and Evolution of the Transpersonal Perspective

“…The question of exactly how to understand and define the transpersonal and spiritual continues to occupy transpersonal psychologists (Cunningham, 2007;Daniels, 2005;Fontana, 2003;Hartelius et al, 2007). Currently there is no universally accepted position within the field and this may account, at least in part, for the difficulties that have been encountered in obtaining full recognition for transpersonal psychology from the psychological establishment.…”

“…However, problems and challenges certainly exist (Cunningham, 2007;Daniels, 2011). These manifest both within and outwith the discipline.…”

Aphenomenological Study of Spontaneous Spiritual and Paranormal Experiences in a 21st-Century Sample of Normal People

“…Among them, Broughton (1991) stated in regard to parapsychological research, "It is those 'observations of nature' that simply do not fit into our conventional understanding of the way the world works that cry out for better explanations than the dismissive ones that are usually offered" (p. 9). Cunningham (2007) added, "Transpersonal impulses continue to operate beneath the surface of conscious awareness whether the person is aware of them or not, but the conscious self is no longer able to perceive its own greater fulfillment, uniqueness, or integrity" (p. 43).…”