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Related Experiment Videos

Intense personal experiences: subjective effects, interpretations, and after-effects.

S R Wilson1, R C Spencer

  • 1Temple University.

Journal of Clinical Psychology
|September 1, 1990
PubMed
Summary

Intense positive and negative experiences share similar effects, but peak experiences, especially those in yoga ashrams, lead to lasting life changes and altered consciousness, rarely initiating self-actualization.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Humanistic Psychology
  • Transpersonal Psychology

Background:

  • Abraham Maslow's concept of peak experiences provides a framework for understanding intense positive states.
  • Previous research has explored the subjective nature and lasting impact of profound life events.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the subjective effects, after-effects, and interpretations of intense positive and negative experiences.
  • To compare these experiences with each other and with those reported by members of a yoga ashram.
  • To examine the relationship between peak experiences and therapeutic change or self-actualization.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of self-reported "most positive" and "most negative" experiences.
  • Inclusion of data from respondents within a yoga ashram for comparative insights.

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  • Qualitative and quantitative assessment of subjective effects and long-term consequences.

    • Main Results:

    • Positive and negative intense experiences showed comparable subjective effects and life impacts, differing mainly in emotional tone.
    • Most respondents' "most positive" experiences did not meet Maslow's criteria for peak experiences.
    • Yoga ashram respondents reported peak experiences characterized by altered consciousness and significant, lasting life changes.

    Conclusions:

    • While intense experiences share commonalities, true peak experiences, as defined by Maslow, are rare and distinct.
    • Peak experiences, particularly those involving altered consciousness, are associated with profound and enduring personal transformation.
    • Self-actualization and therapeutic change are infrequently initiated solely by peak experiences.