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The Concept of Spiritual Transformation in Psychology
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Mostafa Arabpour *  , Masoud Janbozorgi  |
| Department of Psychology, Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Hawzah and University Research Institute, Qom, Iran , marabpour@rihu.ac.ir |
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Abstract: (467 Views) |
Background and Aim: Although many psychologists posit spirituality as an inherent human attribute and a foundational basis prompting the pursuit of understanding and connection with the unknown dimensions of existence and the search for meaning, according to Pargament, its meaning and conceptualization have been in a constant state of flux. Consequently, the study of its conceptual nature remains a subject of scholarly debate, and given the wide range of interpretations, its conceptual ambiguity is a matter of consensus among researchers. The present study aimed to analyze the construct of "spirituality" within the existing scholarly literature and to identify its underlying conceptual framework.
Methods: Regarding its objective, this research is categorized as basic research, and its methodology, in terms of approach, is a mixed-methods design employing a sequential exploratory design (qualitative-quantitative approach). In the qualitative phase, conventional content analysis, based on the method of Hsieh and Shannon, was used to collect, describe, categorize, and analyze the construct of spirituality within psychological literature. In the quantitative phase, a descriptive-survey method (expert opinions) was employed to establish the validity of the conceptual model of spirituality and its components.
Results: In an initial search, 363 articles and books were obtained, of which 58 were selected based on inclusion criteria to collect definitions. Data analysis resulted in 184 initial codes, 48 basic themes, 9 organizing themes ("Nature", "Experiencing", "Relating", "Seeking", "Thinking", "Knowing", "Behaving", "Affect and Emotion", and "Consequence"), and 4 overarching dimensions ("Core," "Mechanisms," "Dynamic Systems," and "Manifestations"). Finally, a process-based conceptual model of "spirituality" was extracted and validated using the Content Validity Index (CVI).
Conclusion: Despite the various definitions and interpretations in the field of psychology, this research suggests that "spirituality" is a complex, multidimensional construct according to researchers. In addition to being a significant dimension of human development, it is deeply intertwined in an interactive developmental process with other dimensions (cognitive, emotional, behavioral, etc.). Given the prevailing secular paradigm in psychology, this influence is also evident in the conceptualization of spirituality. |
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| Keywords: Spirituality, Spiritual Transformation, Conceptual Model |
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Full-Text [PDF 530 kb]
(157 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Original Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2024/07/13 | Accepted: 2025/03/13 | Published: 2025/03/20
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