Richards, William Alan. (1975).
Washington, DC: Catholic University of America.


ISBN: None


Description: xiv + 291 pages, dissertation, paperback published on demand available from Xerox University Microfilms, Ann Arbor, MI, 48106.


Contents: List of tables, list of illustrations, 10 chapters divided into 3 sections, I. Introduction, II. Methods and Procedures, III. Results and Conclusions, 4 appendices: A. Coefficients of Inter-Rater Reliability, B. Guidelines for Independent Raters, C. Emotional Condition Rating Scale, D. Peak Experience Items of the Psychedelic Experience Questionnaire, E. Psychedelic Experience Questionnaire, bibliography.


Excerpt(s): Concluding Remarks \ Although many words could be written, two quotations summarize the essence that the author of this dissertation wishes to communicate. Henri Bergson observed that, "Mankind lies groaning, half crushed beneath the weight of his own progress." Paul Tillich formulated "the question our century puts before us" as follows: "Is it possible to regain the lost dimension, the encounter with the Holy, the dimension which cuts through the world of subjectivity and objectivity and goes down to that which is not world but the mystery of the Ground of Being?"

The approach to death and increased acceptance of its enigmas through the death education movement, especially in terms of guidance and counseling, may prove to be a significant step in the direction of regaining the "lost dimension." The particular approach to counseling studied in this dissertation, promising as it appears, may well be one of several modes of counseling that merit further study and research. It may be of significance to note that, contrary to popular expectations, those who choose to teach, counsel or pursue research in the area of death and dying may well be encountering much more light than darkness. (page 257)

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