A Review on Research and Evaluation Methods for Investigating Self-Transcendence.
Alexandra Kitson, Alice Chirico, Andrea Gaggioli, Bernhard E. Riecke
Frontiers in Psychology 2020 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.547687 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Emotional experiences Flow Neurophenomenolgy Peak experiences Research methods Self-transcendence |
| Key findings | No prior review has systematically described, contrasted, and evaluated the different methodological approaches toward measuring self-transcendence, including questionnaires, neurological and physiological measures, and qualitative methods. |
Abstract
Self-transcendence has been characterized as a decrease in self-saliency (ego disillusionment) and increased connection, and has been growing in research interest in the past decade. Several measures have been developed and published with some degree of psychometric validity and reliability. However, to date, there has been no review systematically describing, contrasting, and evaluating the different methodological approaches toward measuring self-transcendence including questionnaires, neurological and physiological measures, and qualitative methods. To address this gap, we conducted a review to describe existing methods of measuring self-transcendence, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of these methods, and discuss research avenues to advance assessment of self-transcendence, including recommendations for suitability of methods given research contexts.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 33
- Defining Transformative Experiences: A Conceptual Analysis Frontiers in Psychology June 24, 2022
- Compassion as a Skill: A Comparison of Contemplative and Evolution-Based Approaches Mindfulness August 3, 2023
- Psychedelic unselfing: self-transcendence and change of values in psychedelic experiences Frontiers in Psychology June 14, 2023
- Transcending the self to transcend suffering. Frontiers in Psychology 2023
- Self-transcendent experiences as promoters of ecological wellbeing? Exploration of the evidence and hypotheses to be tested Frontiers in Psychology November 14, 2022
and 28 more in the library
Cites 90
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- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
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- Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- The toronto mindfulness scale: Development and validation Journal of Clinical Psychology 2006
and 85 more in the library