A Critical Realist Study of Epiphanic Experiences

Abstract

The purpose of this enquiry was to contribute to the much under-developed field of psychology that pertains to change that is sudden, positive, and profound. In particular, this research sought to conceptualise and operationalise epiphanic experience, which has previously been referred to as epiphany, quantum change, and sudden personal transformation. It was considered important to understand epiphanic experiences as although positive transformation has been under-researched, it deserves attention in all its forms, as these experiences ultimately improve quality of life. Further, ‘extreme’ cases of positive transformation can provide valuable understandings of the mechanisms underpinning ‘less extreme’ cases (Danermark et al., 2019), meaning that insights into epiphanic experience can enrich conceptions of positive change, and how to attain it. The research was underpinned philosophically by Critical Realism, and this meta-philosophical series of positions was key to both the scope and process of the research. The aims of this enquiry were as follows: (1) to determine whether epiphanic experience is distinct from other sudden, positive, and profound experiences, (2) to determine the distinct experiential features of epiphanic experience, and (3) to apply Critical Realist analytical procedures in order to understand the generative mechanisms that permit the emergence of an epiphanic experience. In order to address these aims three studies were conducted: (1) a scoping review, (2) a thematic synthesis, and (3) a Critical Realist analysis using a participant sample of practitioner psychologists, whose profession was thought to lend them insight into the process of change and transformation. Findings suggest that whilst epiphanic experiences can be construed as a distinct category of sudden, positive, and profound change, they are intrinsically related to both mystical experiences and the insight experience. Moreover, epiphanic experiences were found to possess the following key markers: (1) brevity, (2) noetic aspects, (3) somatic aspects, (4) vivid memorability, (5) enduringness, (6) benevolence, and (7) profound, holistic change to the individual. Experientially, epiphanic experiences tended to be preceded by uncertainty, negative life experience, and degrees of disorganisation. Using the Critical Realist ontology of personhood (Bhaskar, 2008, 2020), it is suggested that epiphanic experience constitutes the elimination or diminishment of the ego, such that the embodied personality is able to align with the transcendentally real self, thereby unifying intentionality. An interdisciplinary account of the generative mechanisms proposed to underpin epiphanic experience is provided. Further, the strengths, limitations, and implications of the research are discussed with a particular focus on the impact of this research on applied practice. In particular, practitioners are encouraged to consider how the ontology of epiphanic experience suggested by this research might shape how they choose to implement their therapeutic interventions.