Human and Spiritual Development and Transformation
Craig S. Cashwell, J. Scott Young
Wiley eBooks February 11, 2025 DOI: 10.1002/9781394347254.ch6 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 4 |
| Key points | Argues that spiritual development and transformation models rest on an assumption that human consciousness advances toward higher integration, and that near-death experiences are profound psychological events with transcendental and mystical elements. Contends that any features of spiritual transformation a client brings to counseling are normal to the extent that the combination is featured in at least one model of spiritual transformation. |
Abstract
This chapter discusses developmental models of spirituality. It describes several models of spiritual development and then describes several models of spiritual transformation. The notions of spiritual development and transformation are based on the assumption that “human consciousness advances inexorably toward higher levels of integration”, which is characterized by increased knowing and enhancement of qualities such as connectedness, inclusivity, benevolence, compassion, and peace. Consciousness transformation involves an intentional pursuit after a sudden event or gradual process with direct causal or contributing factors that results in developmental progress. Near-death experiences are profound psychological events with transcendental and mystical elements, typically occurring to individuals close to death or in situations of intense physical or emotional danger. Any features of spiritual transformation a client might bring to counseling—sudden or gradual, sought or unsought, expected or unexpected, regressive or progressive—are normal to the extent that the combination is featured in at least one model of spiritual transformation.