Theoretical Approaches to Connection

There are three general approaches to the study of connection experience, an reductionist approach, an adaptive approach, and a transformative approach.

Notes

The reductionist approach reduces mysticism, often in a normative and dismissive manner, to neurological/psychoanalytic phenomenon (i.e. an infantile state).

Theorists who take a reductionist approach: Sigmund Freud

The adaptive approach frames connection experiences as healing.

Theorists who take an adaptive approach:

The transformative approach frames connection experiences as capable of leading to profound personal, psychological, sociological, political transformations.

Theorists who take a transformative approach: Romain Rolland

Footnotes

References