Reflections on the research methods, ontology and purpose of scientific transpersonal psychology, inspired by Eurotas 2024

This paper examines the issues raised in a recent round table on the future of research in scientific transpersonal psychology. It suggests ways in which transpersonal psychology might meet both the seemingly paradoxical goals of scientific rigour and transpersonal integrity. First, the paper posits that existing quantitative and qualitative research methods are likely sufficient to study transpersonal subject matter, provided the research questions utilised do not limit the scope of transpersonal inquiry. Secondly, the paper argues that the possibility of an ontology of consciousness beyond the brain-body paradigm is one of the distinguishing features of transpersonal psychology. Thus, it would appear counterproductive to remove ontological inquiry from transpersonal psychological research. Finally, the paper advocates for tightening our academic boundaries as a science, whilst building stronger, and better-defined interdisciplinary bridges with other researchers, philosophers, and transpersonal practitioners. It concludes that implementing these measures will likely increase our credibility and publication rate – empowering us to have a greater impact on the broader scientific discipline of psychology – without diluting, restricting, or misrepresenting the transpersonal phenomena we seek to explore.