Date of Award

1985

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Art

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Rebecca Glenn

Second Advisor

Gerald Slusser

Third Advisor

Conrad Sommer

Abstract

This study attempts to determine , through research of the literature of transpersonal psychology, if a specific paradigm for psychotherapy is present in that literature.

The research is viewed from a theme analysis perspective which attempts to isolate the major characteristics of the description s circumscribing transpersonal psychotherapy that emerged consistently . Certain consistent patterns did, in fact, emerge.

The articles are considered against a background that includes the historical appearance of the trans personal movement, the influence of Eastern traditions, a transpersonal model of the person, and various conceptualizations of therapy, transformation, and ultimate liberation.

An appendix is included consisting of reviews of therapy- related articles that appeared in The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology from its inception in 1969 through 1984.

The study concludes that although a "transpersonal condition" may exist in therapy under certain circumstances , no evidence appeared to confirm the existence of a discrete and generally applicable psychotherapeutic paradigm as the term is defined at the outset of this thesis.

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