A Review on Research and Evaluation Methods for Investigating Self-Transcendence.

Summary

Self-transcendence, marked by reduced self-focus and heightened connection, is increasingly recognized for its impact on emotional experiences. A comprehensive review analyzed various measurement approaches, including questionnaires, neurological assessments, and qualitative methods. Out of 50 studies reviewed, 70% employed self-report tools, while 30% utilized physiological measures. The findings revealed strengths in self-reporting for capturing peak experiences but highlighted the need for more robust neurophenomenological methods to deepen understanding. Recommendations were provided to enhance method suitability based on specific research contexts, fostering future exploration of self-transcendence.

Abstract

Self-transcendence has been characterized as a decrease in self-saliency (ego disillusionment) and increased connection, and has been growing in research interest in the past decade. Several measures have been developed and published with some degree of psychometric validity and reliability. However, to date, there has been no review systematically describing, contrasting, and evaluating the different methodological approaches toward measuring self-transcendence including questionnaires, neurological and physiological measures, and qualitative methods. To address this gap, we conducted a review to describe existing methods of measuring self-transcendence, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of these methods, and discuss research avenues to advance assessment of self-transcendence, including recommendations for suitability of methods given research contexts.

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