JOURNAL ARTICLE

The plateau experience and ephemerality: Ancient and modern perspectives on reducing death anxiety through the Stoics and the Samurai.

Published In: Transpersonal Psychology Review, 2025, v. 26, n. 1. P. 5 1 of 3
Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3
Authored By: Buckler, Scott 3 of 3

Abstract

This article focuses on the underexplored concept of the plateau experience in Abraham Maslow's later work, particularly its relation to confronting and accepting death. It examines how death anxiety can be mitigated through practices rooted in Stoic philosophy—which influenced modern therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Rational-Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT)—and the Japanese samurai tradition of writing death poems (jisei). Both traditions encourage reflection on mortality to foster acceptance and reduce fear of death, thereby enhancing the quality of life. The article suggests that integrating such historical and therapeutic approaches could advance research and practice in addressing death anxiety within transpersonal psychology.

Additional Information

Source:Transpersonal Psychology Review. 2025/01, Vol. 26, Issue 1, p5
Document Type:Article
Subject Area:Psychology
Publication Date:2025
ISSN:1366-6991
DOI:10.53841/bpstrans.2025.26.1.5
Accession Number:186110233
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