How Psychology Can Benefit From the Academic Study of Esotericism.
Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences 2025 DOI: 10.1002/jhbs.70004 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key findings | Argues that esotericism has never been peripheral to psychology, that a substantive definition of esotericism within psychology is essential, and that the foundations and features of "esoteric psychology" can be described across various theoretical frameworks. The author aims to encourage a critical yet open discourse evaluating these influences. |
Abstract
The paper reviews and summarizes the historical research that has been carried out in recent decades to explore the connections between esotericism and psychology while highlighting the typical historical and contemporary ways in which psychology and esotericism are linked. This examination underscores why academic research on esotericism is relevant to psychology, including why a substantive definition of esotericism made within the context of psychology is essential. Based on the sources currently at our disposal, it is asserted that the influences of esotericism have never been peripheral to psychology. The foundations and basic features of "esoteric psychology" unfolding within various theoretical frameworks are described. With this paper, the author aims to contribute to the emergence of a critical yet open and flexible discourse that recognizes the impact of esotericism on psychology and is ready to evaluate these influences in an objective way.