A Closer Look at Transcendence and Its Relationship to Mental Health.
John R Peteet
Journal of Religion and Health April 1, 2018 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-018-0560-z (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Depression Meditation |
| Keywords | Humans Interpersonal relations Mental health Spirituality Psychotherapy Transcendence Sacred |
| Key points | Argues that transcendence comprises four core elements—suspending disbelief, being moved or inspired, surrendering oneself, and identifying within a larger context—and that naming these elements clarifies its link to psychopathology and the clinician's role. Proposes that clinicians can help patients engage transcendent resources by addressing how depression and trauma interfere with engagement, how masochistic and magical tendencies distort self-surrender, and how social pressure impedes mature identification with a larger community. |
Abstract
Experiences of transcendence can promote growth, creativity and altruism, but often exist in tension with critical thought and can feature problematically in certain mental disorders. Identification of the core elements in the experience of transcendence-suspending disbelief, being moved or inspired, surrendering oneself and identifying within a larger context, can clarify its relationship to psychopathology, and the basis for a clinician's role. To help individuals engage transcendent resources well, clinicians can help patients recognize how depression and trauma may interfere with engagement, masochistic and magical tendencies may distort healthy self-surrender, and vulnerability to social pressure may interfere with mature identification with a larger context or community.
Comparable studies
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| The Yale Manual for Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy of Depression (using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a Therapeutic Frame) | 2020 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Neuroinflammation and neuroprogression in depression: Effects of alternative drug treatments | 2022 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Improving cognitive functioning in major depressive disorder with psychedelics: A dimensional approach | 2021 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |