<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Since Mezirow, there has been considerable research into transformative learning. However the research methods generally used have been of the same kind that are drawn on to inquire into any area of interest. A key aim of this journal is to explore the transformative possibilities of research, and in the process to investigate creative methods which are expanding and transforming our understanding of what constitutes valid research in a postmodern world. In this context, where the assumptions and worldview of classical Newtonian science are being fundamentally challenged, the idea of the ‘transpersonal’ is receiving increasing attention, particularly within the field of psychology. This paper explains the origins of interest in the transpersonal, and provides an introduction to some emerging research methods which accept the idea of the transpersonal as valid. It concludes with the recognition that for many it will require a transformative shift in thinking and beliefs to accept a transpersonal worldview. However recent findings suggest that engaging in research which is accepting of this worldview can be truly transformative in its outcomes for the researcher, the research participants, and for the reader.</p></abstract>

Since Mezirow, there has been considerable research into transformative learning. However the research methods generally used have been of the same kind that are drawn on to inquire into any area of interest. A key aim of this journal is to explore the transformative possibilities of research, and in the process to investigate creative methods which are expanding and transforming our understanding of what constitutes valid research in a postmodern world. In this context, where the assumptions and worldview of classical Newtonian science are being fundamentally challenged, the idea of the ‘transpersonal’ is receiving increasing attention, particularly within the field of psychology. This paper explains the origins of interest in the transpersonal, and provides an introduction to some emerging research methods which accept the idea of the transpersonal as valid. It concludes with the recognition that for many it will require a transformative shift in thinking and beliefs to accept a transpersonal worldview. However recent findings suggest that engaging in research which is accepting of this worldview can be truly transformative in its outcomes for the researcher, the research participants, and for the reader.

What can the ‘Transpersonal’ Contribute to Transformative Research?

International Journal for Transformative Research

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

{"article-title":"What can the \u2018Transpersonal\u2019 Contribute to Transformative Research?"}

Since Mezirow, there has been considerable research into transformative learning. However the research methods generally used have been of the same kind that...

What can the ‘Transpersonal’ Contribute to Transformative Research?

Published Online: Sep 29, 2014

Page range: 25 - 44

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/ijtr-2014-0002

Keywords
transformative research, transpersonal, transformative learning

© 2014 Joan Walton

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

What can the ‘Transpersonal’ Contribute to Transformative Research?

Published Online: Sep 29, 2014

Page range: 25 - 44

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/ijtr-2014-0002

Keywordstransformative research, transpersonal, transformative learning

© 2014 Joan Walton

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Keywords
transformative research, transpersonal, transformative learning