Neurophysiologic, phenomenological, cultural, social and spiritual correlates of empathy experiences : integral psychological and person centered perspectives
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Date
2011-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Zululand
Abstract
The main objective of this research was to explore neurophysiologic, phenomenological, cultural and social correlates of
recipients’ experiences of empathy within the context of Wilber’s Integral approach and Person Centered theory and
practice. Thirteen psychologists participated as co-researchers in a triangulated, within subjects’ post-test experimental
design in which empathy data were compared with data from control conditions of factual information processing and
rest. A consistent pattern emerged from data gathered. Empathy experiences were associated with an unexpected,
statistically significant increase in alpha activity, with some associated increasing trends in theta and beta activity.
Expected findings were significant decreases in delta activity accompanied by decreasing trends in gamma wave activity,
muscle tension, heart and respiration rate. Individual experiences generally reflected an affective, interpersonal, cultural,
social and spiritual state of normal waking consciousness. Participant consensus was that the neurophysiologic and other
correlates corresponded truthfully with typical empathic moments, insights and/or peak experiences, which are associated
with effective therapeutic change in traditional and contemporary healing contexts.
Description
Peer reviewed article published under Inkanyiso, Volume 3, Issue 2, Jan 2011, p. 91 - 100
Keywords
Neurophysiologic, phenomenological, integral psychology, person centered psychotherapy
Citation
Edwards, S., Cramer, D., Kelaiditis, D., Edwards, D., Naidoo, N., Davidson, D., Thwala, J., Mbele, B., Siyaya, V., Singh, A. and Tshabalala, P., 2011. Neurophysiologic, phenomenological, cultural, social and spiritual correlates of empathy experiences: integral psychological and person centered perspectives. Inkanyiso: Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 3(2), pp.91-100.