The Value of Sundén's Role-Theory Demonstrated and Tested with Respect to Religious Experiences in Meditation
Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion
Format:
Journal Article
Publication Year:
n.d.
Pages:
401-412
Library/Archive:
Copyright © 1987 Society for the Scientific Study of Religion
Sources ID:
21891
Visibility:
Private
Zotero Collections:
Contemplation by Applied Subject, Psychology and Contemplation, Science and Contemplation
Abstract:
(Show)
Meditation is approached as a technique for the activation of religious experience. Various theories used in psychology to explain the cognitive changes brought about by meditation are briefly reviewed. Of these, the role-theory of Sundén fits best the structure and function of various meditation methods in religious history. A small scale laboratory experiment is reported, designed for the purpose of testing the predictive validity of role-theory. The results make it possible to specify the theory's contribution and limitation.