Out of the Darkness

The science of post-traumatic growth.

Steve Taylor Ph.D.

Billie Holiday had a 'crisis apparition' when her mother died

Encounters at the Time of Death

Many people report encounters with friends or relatives around the time of their death. How can such "crisis apparitions" be understood?

What's Behind the Great Resignation

The Great Resignation could be a sign that the pandemic has led to significant post-traumatic growth.

The Danger of Dark Triad Leaders

Dark Triad personalities are drawn to power and they can cause chaos and destruction when they attain it.

The Rare but Powerful Experience of Freedom in Prison

Prison is a distressing or traumatic experience for most people. But for a small number, it can have positive transformational effects.

Can There Be Communication After Death?

Some bereaved people report sensing the presence of a deceased loved one.

Ryan Hammons with his mother

Evaluating the Evidence for Reincarnation

Is it possible that deceased people can somehow be reborn in a different body? Can children can genuinely recall details of a past life?

Breaking Down and Waking Up

Transformation through turmoil also reveals the massive potential and deep resilience that we are usually unaware of until we face challenges and crises.

Transformation Through Turmoil

Transformation through turmoil or TTT occurs across a wide range of contexts. From soldiers, prisoners, bereaved people, addicts, and suicidal people to others who have had close encounters with death.

Extraordinary Awakenings and the Disappearance of Addiction

In the midst of intense suffering and trauma, some people undergo transformation. In the severely addicted who "bottom out," this may involve a sudden release of addiction.

Well-Being and Happiness Through Inwardness

Inwardness is the essential quality of wellbeing. It means living within our own being, without immersing our attention in distractions or activities.

Joy Division

Group Flow: When Groups Gain Access to a Mysterious Creativity

Group flow can give rise to a transcendent creativity. Groups become much more than the sum of the talents of individuals. Music is one area where group flow arises powerfully.

The Possibility of Precognition

Many scientists accept that there is a consistent small but significant effect in precognition studies. But is this sufficient evidence?

The Continuum of Connection

What we call 'goodness' is a sense of connection to others that brings empathy and altruism. Evil is a sense of disconnection.

Why Our "Common Sense" View of Time May Be False

Time may slow down drastically, or spread out in a panorama. Some aspects of reality are beyond our comprehension — none more so than time. 

How Awareness and Coincidence Intersect

Most people occasionally have experiences that defy explanation. Our awareness is limited, and some things are beyond our understanding.

The Transformational Effects of Bereavement

Loss and grief can lead to spiritual growth and other positive changes.

When Post-Traumatic Growth is Voluntary

Why do we like safety and yet feel drawn to challenge and danger? Because we have an impulse to grow and challenges help us to grow. This is 'voluntary post-traumatic growth.'

Spiritual Conspiracists

Why are some 'spiritual' people propagating unfounded conspiracy theories, and voicing their support for authoritarian leaders?

The Psychology of Nationalism

Nationalism is an illusory concept caused by a need for identity. People with high well-being let go of group identity. For the good of our species, we should all do the same.

Post-Traumatic Creativity

The myth of the "suffering artist" has some basis in fact. Periods of intense suffering can lead to enhanced creativity.

Disordered Leaders

Psychopaths and narcissists live in a state of extreme separation. They feel a sense of lack that drives them to attain power. This leads to "pathocracy."

The Abdication Syndrome

The appeal of authoritarian leaders and corrupt gurus is a desire to return to childhood, when parents protected us and took responsibility for our lives.

When Time Slips Away

Time Expansion Experiences in accidents and emergencies are real, not an illusion caused by recollection

Spiritual Depression

Spiritual depression occurs when we lose touch with our spiritual sensibility, or repress spiritual experiences because we don't understand them.

David Ditchfield's Remarkable Near-Death Experience

David Ditchfield almost died in an accident on a train platform. He changed so dramatically that he feels as if he has a different life and a different identity.

the white house/flickr

Power and Personality Disorders

Are mental health professionals right to speak out about President Trump?

Do Psi Phenomena Exist? The Debate Continues

A psychiatrist and a psychologist debate whether science should take psi phenomena seriously and what they imply about consciousness.

Do Psi Phenomena Exist? A Debate (Part One)

Part 1 of 2: A psychiatrist and a psychologist debate the existence of psi and the view that consciousness is not purely dependent on the physical brain.

The Lockdown as a Spiritual Retreat

Five tips to harness the benefits of confinement into growth and transformation.

The Greatness of William Wordsworth

William Wordsworth and the Romantic movement represented the emergence of a new state of being.

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