Abstract:

The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine the long-term life impact of a transcendent experience with pronounced noetic quality (i.e., {\it noesis}, the instantaneous knowledge accompanying the experience). A multiple case-study design (six case studies) was used as the primary source of data, and a specifically designed questionnaire (sixty participants) as the secondary source. Participants were solicited through ads, and chosen by fit with the criteria of the study (having had a clearly defined transcendent experience with pronounced noetic quality seven or more years previously). A reductive cross-case analysis was conducted, resulting in the discovery of five emerging themes of major life impact and three additional areas of significant impact of lesser scope. These were then compared with the questionnaire data, which substantially supported each of the themes and areas of impact. It was found that: (a)~the transcendent experience addressed an important life issue, or had important timing; (b)~there were clearly discernible phases of integration, generally of adjustment, integration, and expression; (c)~the experience had pronounced significance to the percipient that resulted in a life reorientation; (d)~there was a continuance of noesis (knowledge) in some form in the percipient's life following the experience, which was significantly valued; (e)~eventually there was a need for creative expression of the meaning contained in the experience; and (f)~there was significant impact on the percipient's spiritual/religious belief system, sense of self, and family and societal relationships. It was concluded that the transcendent experiences were highly significant in the lives of the percipients, and that the noesis of the experience was a major factor in that significance. The implications of this study are that transcendent experiences serve as an entry point of the transpersonal into the personal reality, and can significantly contribute to enhanced psychological health and psycho-social effectiveness.