Changes In Cognitive Structure

Abstract

Gaynor, D.R. (1999). Changes in Cognitive Structure Associated With Experiences of Spiritual Transformation, Ann Arbor: UMI

The construct of interconnectedness is developed and utilized in assessing the nature of cognitive change associated with experiences of spiritual transformation for 9 men and 16 women. Most of the co-researchers in this study live in Northern California, 7 live in other locations around the U.S. and 3 live in locations outside the U.S.. The research design is both quantitative and qualitative, utilizing a retrospective assessment format. The suite of measurement tools included: the Personal Orientation Inventory (POI), the researcher constructed Process Characteristics Inventory (PCI), a short essay questionnaire, and a detailed request for autobiographical information pertaining to the participants’ experiences of life before, during, and after transformation.

The Quantitative results suggest that experiences of psychospiritual transformation were correlated with statistically significant increases in co-researchers’ levels of interconnectedness (PCI). A 42% mean increase in overall levels of interconnectedness was observed post-transformation. Interconnectedness subscale change scores were correlated with interconnectedness total change scores. Subscale/total change correlations yielded: conscious interconnectedness (r = .91), identity integration (r = .92), high order framing (r = .89), and flexibility (r = .91). All were statistically significant for n = 24, and p < .001. Posttransformation POI scores reflected a 55% mean increase in time competence and a 44% mean increase in inner directedness. POI change scores were correlated with the PCI total change scores (n = 17, p < .001), both time competence (r = .75), and inner directedness (r = .65) were statistically significant.

Quantitative results were next compared with the results of a qualitative process analysis of autobiographical data. The findings were mutually supportive. A complex dynamic systems model for psychospiritual development and assessment is then extrapolated from the research. In this model, psychospiritual development and cognitive development are viewed as fractals of the same process. A psychospiritual developmental transition sequence is also identified. Finally, a plan for future research is introduced including suggestions for potentially enhancing psychospiritual development.

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