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Myles Metcalf

C. Douglas

English 112-47

2 May 2017

Transpersonal Psychology

Transpersonal Psychology is a sub-field that advises about mental health in a

unique way by incorporating spiritual teachings and metaphysical worldviews into their study.

When discussing this topic many people have different opinions about it. As much as some

people want to consider the possibility of making this sub-field more creditable, the only concern

is whether t can it truly hold its own as a scientific discipline. In most cases, it is possible for this

sub-field to meet the criteria of being considered a scientific discipline.

The sub-fields mission is to instill the notion of going beyond the mundane, to

allow oneself to reach a higher state of consciousness and learn from it. The sub-field pertains to

Modern Psychologys goal in interpreting human behavior and functioning on a practical level

but only through matters that are esoteric, metaphysical, and through spiritual teachings. Modern

Psychologists do not like the idea of incorporating spiritual matters in their study because it is

believed these matters lack practicality, but psychologists should embrace this new direction. The

reason in why the sub-field should be accepted is because the idea of incorporating a wider view

of human and spiritual awareness is very profound and ground-breaking. The new age culture

brings to light a new side of Psychology. It is stated that Transpersonal Psychology is the fourth

force in modern psychology, with Psychoanalysis being the first, Behavioral as the second, and

Humanistic as the third force in modern psychology. Transpersonal Psychology shouldnt be

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forced to follow traditional disciplines nor should shun its spiritual notions. It should be known

that science can learn a lot from assumptions of the world and why the metaphysical interprets

the world the way it does. Science cannot progress without powerful assumptions about the

world it is trying to investigate. Theories and ideas that view the world from a spiritual notion

can hold just as much truth and theories that science can only reach to certain extent.

At the same time, its understandable that Transpersonal Psychology needs a more

rational approach. Modern psychologists simply discredit metaphysical worldviews due to how

they cannot be empirically tested, and should remain agnostic about metaphysical and

supernatural claims and concentrate instead on naturalistic study of the physical and the

psychological. An agreement has been reached in which the sub-field should no longer identify

themselves through theories and concepts, but also to give the field expression through

psychological sciences. Advocates of Transpersonal Psychology also believe that empirical

evidence is subjective. Advocates believe that their sub-field must provide rational evidence but

only along their terms. If physical existence is categorically believed to be the only valid one-

existence in a material body, then the search for nonphysical or subtle transcendent realities will

not occur. Reality is not limited; it is only our perception that limits the reality we live in.

In conclusion, the sub-field understands that rational evidence is needed to make it

more credible, but since the topics, in the field, go beyond our sense of perception, then science

needs to allow unorthodox evidence to be accepted. Despite whether people credit Transpersonal

Psychology or not. None can deny the impact is had made. Throughout time many psychologists

have considered the idea of incorporating spirituality as part of their studies, but were skeptical

on whether it be widely accepted. With Transpersonal Psychology, it allows itself to be the voice
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for psychologists who have always considered these notions. This sub-field has helped finally

bring these questions and concerns to light and has become a force to be reckon with.
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Works Cited

Cunningham, Paul, PhD. "EMPIRICAL RATIONALISM AND TRANSPERSONAL EMPIRICISM:

BRIDGING THE TWO EPISTEMIC CULTURES OF TRANSPERSONAL PSYCHOLOGY."

Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, vol. 47, no. 1, 2015, pp. 83-120

Strohl, James E. "Transpersonalism: Ego Meets Soul." Journal of Counseling and Development : JCD,

vol. 76, no. 4, 1998., pp. 397-403 Psychology

Ferrer, Jorge N., PhD. "TRANSPERSONAL PSYCHOLOGY, SCIENCE, AND THE

SUPERNATURAL." Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, vol. 46, no. 2, 2014., pp. 152-186

Psychology