How Personal Transformation Occurs Following a Single Peak Experience in Nature: A Phenomenological Account
Journal of Humanistic Psychology November 1, 2020 DOI: 10.1177/0022167817714692 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA rapid, positive personal transformation can occur during a peak experience in nature. Interviews with 15 people aged 28 to 70 who identified such an experience revealed its core process: recognizing previously unknown aspects of oneself, projected onto nature and felt bodily, which sparks insight into a meaningful personal issue. Choosing to accept and integrate these newly discovered aspects leads to quick transformation. The findings highlight nature's central role, the importance of free choice, and the potential to use such experiences for human development.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Qualitative study, phenomenological approach Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 15 |
| Population | People aged 28 to 70 who identified as having had a peak transformative experience in nature |
| Key finding | A peak experience in nature can catalyze rapid personal transformation through recognizing, owning, and integrating formerly unknown aspects of self. |
Abstract
This study focuses on a particular form of positive transformation taking place in the wilderness, defined here as peak transformative experience. A large number of studies have been conducted on the negative transformative effect of a single traumatic event, while very little research has focused on positive transformational events. We addressed this lacuna by studying a unique case of quick positive transformation, taking place in nature. This study goes beyond the common description and outcome of the peak experience by focusing specifically on the process of personal transformation. Applying a phenomenological approach, 15 participants aged 28 to 70 years, who identified as having had such an experience, were interviewed. Analysis of these interviews revealed the “essence” of the peak experience in nature which led to the rapid transformation. This essence involved the recognition of formerly unknown aspects of self, projected onto nature and experienced in an embodied way, evoking an insight into a meaningful personal issue. Choosing to own these newly discovered aspects and integrate them resulted in rapid personal transformation. The findings are discussed, underscoring the centrality of nature in this process, the importance of free choice, and the potential for harnessing positive transformative peak experiences in nature for human development.