Transformation through suffering

• Main Author: Solo, Rosalind D
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01-01-2010
• Subjects: Developmental psychology; Personality psychology; Spirituality
• ISBN: 1109714297; 9781109714296

Using heuristic methodology, this thesis explores the concept that mental, physical and spiritual suffering is a catalyst for change and transformation. Facing suffering is offered as a means of attaining the psyche's ultimate goal of individuation. In a culture that tends to avoid suffering at all costs, the challenge is to look at suffering as a gift from a higher Source—a manifestation of something larger than humans' finite minds can grasp. This thesis further assumes that by avoiding suffering, one remains psychologically and spiritually stagnant. Suffering is examined as the soul's calling out from its innate longing for growth and individuation. This thesis explores the psychological and spiritual components and dynamics of suffering from a transpersonal perspective. Rather than presenting material specific to traditional or classical psychology, data and discussion is based mainly in depth psychology and presents the example of the authors' experience of transformation through suffering.