TRANSPERSONAL SOCIAL-WORK - A THEORY FOR THE 1990S

Transpersonal psychology contains a growing body Of literature and theory related to the spiritual dimension of human nature and ''higher states of consciousness.'' This approach is especially relevant for social work practitioners who are combating the social ills of the 1990s that manifest as violence, addiction, and spiritual malaise. Other theories do not recognize higher levels of consciousness, and thus their exclusive use may inhibit the optimal development of the spiritual dimension. Transpersonal theory is the only theory that focuses on the spiritual dimension and legitimates the development of higher states of consciousness as being exceptionally healthy or as representing the epitome of human potential. The practice challenges facing social workers in the postmodern age call not only for the development of a more complex and inclusive understanding of what it means to be fully human, but also for a transpersonal theory ''big'' enough to allow and facilitate quantum leaps in human consciousness.