The Varieties of Self-Transcendent Experience. Issue 2 (June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yaden, David Bryce; Haidt, Jonathan; Hood, Ralph W.; Vago, David R.; Newberg, Andrew B.
• Is Part Of: Review of general psychology. Volume 21:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 143
• Page End: 160
• Publication Date: 2017-06
• Subjects: self-transcendence -- mindfulness -- flow -- positive emotions -- awe; Psychology -- Periodicals; 150
• DOI: 10.1037/gpr0000102
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1089-2680

Abstract

Various forms of self-loss have been described as aspects of mental illness (e.g., depersonalization disorder), but might self-loss also be related to mental health? In this integrative review and proposed organizational framework, we focus on self-transcendent experiences (STEs)—transient mental states marked by decreased self-salience and increased feelings of connectedness. We first identify common psychological constructs that contain a self-transcendent aspect, including mindfulness, flow, peak experiences, mystical-type experiences, and certain positive emotions (e.g., love, awe). We then propose psychological and neurobiological mechanisms that may mediate the effects of STEs based on a review of the extant literature from social psychology, clinical psychology, and affective neuroscience. We conclude with future directions for further empirical research on these experiences.