What is Transpersonal Psychology?

Transpersonal psychology is a psychological school that emerged in the United States from the late 1960s to the early 1970s. It is the result of the full development of humanistic psychology, and it can be said that it is a derivative of humanistic psychology. Also known as "surreal psychology". In the late 1960s, it was proposed by humanistic psychologist Maslow and others. The purpose is to explore the ultimate source of human mind and potential, focusing on issues such as life value, human happiness, religious experience, self-transcendence, mental health and consciousness in transcendence. Attempts to integrate eastern and western sciences and cultures, and construct a more open paradigm than humanistic psychology. ^[1]

Anthony J. Sutich (19071976) wrote in his editor-in-chief, "Journal of Human Psychology", 1968, No. 1, stating: "The fourth force in psychology, that is, transpersonal psychology is taking shape." . When humanistic psychology rose, behaviorism was regarded as the first force of psychology, psychoanalysis was the second force, and self-proclaimed humanism was

If defined from methodological and academic sources, transpersonal psychology can be understood as a school that attempts to integrate the wisdom of the world spiritual tradition into the knowledge system of modern psychology. World spiritual tradition and modern psychology are two kinds of knowledge system about human beings. The former refers to the world

Li Ande (1997) believes that transpersonal psychology has three key claims: first, transpersonal psychologists believe that in addition to the physical and psychological aspects of human beings, there are also spiritual (or spiritual) aspects; Transpersonal psychologists reveal the self-lostness of the average person. Most people blindly and mistakenly recognize their role, personality, self-concept, or the so-called "I" that they are vaguely aware of in their normal sober state of consciousness, but these are not me The reason for me, that is, is not the "real self". Third, transpersonal psychologists emphasize that everyone is not an absolutely independent individual, but belongs to the "big self" and is rooted in the "big self." Therefore, human's mission is not just self-actualization as emphasized by humanistic psychology, but humans also need to transcend themselves.

Although the research results of transpersonal psychology and its impact on social life are increasing day by day, it is not like behaviorism and humanistic psychology. Once formed, it will have an impact on mainstream psychology and serve as a new paradigm for the psychological community. Accepted. Thirty years have passed since the birth of transpersonal psychology. From the perspective of academic development, time may not be long, but as a new trend of thought, its impact and acceptance are not satisfactory after all. There may be many reasons for this. One of them is that people still have some misunderstandings about transpersonal psychology. Clarifying these misconceptions will help us understand what transpersonal psychology is. Not only knowing what it is, but also knowing what it is not, in order to get a correct understanding. According to Rowan (1993), Liande (1994), and Scotton (1996), to understand what transpersonal psychology is, it is necessary to make the following clarifications:

Transpersonal psychology

Equate transpersonal psychology

First, in terms of psychological objects, transpersonal psychology proposes a most inclusive human nature model, thereby expanding the scope of psychological research.

Second, on the methodological issues of psychology, transpersonal psychology has proposed an object-centered most open methodological model.

Third, on the issue of psychological tasks, transpersonal psychology proposes a most comprehensive theory and application model.

Fourth, in terms of the disciplinary nature and value orientation of psychology, transpersonal psychology breaks through the limitations of scientism, and no longer positions psychology in the scientific framework, but instead positions it in the study of knowledge about human nature.

Fifth, in the field of applied psychology, transpersonal psychology has developed new psychotherapy techniques and expanded the application field of thesis psychology.

Sixth, transpersonal psychology provides modern people with a mode of spiritual life that advocates tranquility, harmony, and pursuit of transcendence and sacredness.