PsychologyAugust 31, 2026

transpersonal

tranz-PUR-suh-nul

Definition

Relating to or encompassing experiences that transcend the individual self, often characterized by a feeling of connection to something larger than one's own ego or consciousness.

Etymology

The word is a combination of the Latin 'trans' (beyond or across) and 'personal' (relating to an individual). It emerged in the 20th century, particularly within psychology and religious studies, to describe phenomena that go beyond the limits of individual identity.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe a specific, spiritual type of purpose that individuals report experiencing as something flowing through them rather than something they personally created. It is significant here because this type of purpose was found to be strongly associated with higher levels of happiness.

How different forms of purpose relate to age, gender and happiness

Read the full article ↗

Psychology Today

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