Abstract

This dissertation presents an expanded theory of dissociative processes, introduces a new model for the classification of dissociative phenomena that encompasses psychological, philosophical, and spiritual perspectives, and discusses a phenomenological study of intentionally produced and directed, beneficial dissociative states . ;A historical/evolutionary perspective on dissociation as a psychological construct, beginning with its earliest inceptions, moving through its broadening to include non-pathological phenomena, and culminating in the farther reaching theories of today's transpersonalists, serves as a foundation for understanding the theories and "Spectrum of Dissociation" that are presented. The spectrum draws attention to non-pathological dissociation and its potential resolution in states of association, where there is an active relationship within awareness between mind, body, and the realm of lively impulses that permeates all of existence . Dissociation is theorized to be both necessary and potentially detrimental to human development. ;Eight co-researchers representing four original nationalities and a variety of professions were engaged in in-depth interviews to elicit information concerning the methods and reasons for developing the ability to dissociate in a directed manner, the mechanics of creating, directing, and terminating dissociative states, and the integration into and effect of the experiences on life as a whole. ;The results indicate that well functioning, contributing individuals have intentionally sought dissociative states, not as an end in themselves, but as experiences to be incorporated into the mind-body unit. The primary reason for seeking such states was to answer ontological questions: to fulfill the desire to become self-realized and to express the realized self in the world. The process of integration has led to greater degrees of wholeness such that, for seven of the co-researchers, associated states are clearly preferable to the dissociated states that served as a stepping stone. ;Significant commonalties were found among the co-researchers concerning developmental patterns and the phenomenology of intentional, directed dissociation