Epiphanies

When psychologists contemplate the nature of
personal change they usually refer to two broad
areas, the developmental changes that occur over the
lifespan and more specific changes that are effected
through counselling and psychotherapy. In both cases
change occurs in a slow incremental process, lasting
anywhere from a period of weeks, months or years.
However, some types of personal change and
transformation are radical in their suddenness and
potential for permanent transformation. Academic
psychologist Matthew McDonald illuminates the nature
of positive change that is sudden and abrupt by
exploring the concept of epiphany, re-defining it in
light of current and historical perspectives and
then applying it to the life stories of five
individuals. McDonald turns to existential
philosophy and psychology to interpret their
experiences, providing a description that emphasises
personal meaning and the essential realities of the
human condition. From this study readers will be
able to reflect on their own lives by gaining a
better understanding of the human struggle with
freedom, responsibility, meaning, anxiety and death.