Transformative research methods: Research to nourish the spirit
Rosemarie Anderson
Journal for the Study of Spirituality January 2, 2020 DOI: 10.1080/20440243.2020.1726056 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 7 |
| Key points | Argues that transformative research methods developed by Rosemarie Anderson and William Braud invite researchers of spiritual topics to bring their full humanity and creativity to research and to treat it as a journey of personal and cultural transformation. The article outlines these methods' historical development, characteristics, and risks, and urges researchers in mainstream human science and emerging fields to reexamine their understanding of research on spiritual topics. |
Abstract
Over the last two decades, an important contribution from the field of transpersonal psychology to research is the development of transformative research methods by Rosemarie Anderson and the late William Braud. These methods invite researchers studying spiritual topics to bring their full humanity and personal creativity to the fore in the conduct of research, and to enact research as a journey of personal and cultural transformation. This article overviews the historical development of transformative research methods and details the unique characteristics and risks implicit in the methods. In closing, I encourage researchers in mainstream human science research and newly emerging fields, such as spiritual and contemplative studies, peace studies, and transformative leadership, to review their own understanding of research on spiritual topics in their unique fields.