ABSTRACT
Interpersonal transcendence refers to the very extreme of human symbolically based connection and receptivity, and is characterized by four constituent properties: (a) receptivity and absorption; (b) comprehension and understanding; (c) exploration, discovery, and insight; and (d) connection, mutuality, and sharedness. These occasions are thought to be transitory, rare, memorable, and exhilarating. The theory of transcendent interactions presented here has its foundations in the action-assembly theoretical paradigm and gives emphasis to the role of“mutually driven ideation” and timely resolution of assembly difficulties in giving rise to exceptional experiences of human engagement and understanding. In Chapter 16, John O. Greene reviews two major components that comprise this theory: (a) a set of propositions detailing the cognitive underpinnings of transcendent interactions, and (b) an examination of various person, dyadic, relationship, and situational factors theorized to play a role in fostering or impeding such occasions. He then reviews methodological approaches for studying interpersonal transcendence and discusses opportunities for further theoretical advances.
