The Psychology of Personal Revelations

Throughout her life, an individual has the potential to have one or more life-changing events, otherwise known as a personal revelation. Also known as an epiphany, revelations are sometimes the result of a serious occurrence such as a near-death experience or traumatic event that provokes a change of heart. Other times, the revelation occurs when a person gains some type of insight or knowledge. Understanding the psychology of the personal revelation involves examining the possible external causes of the change as well as the internal intention of the individual.

Near-Death Experience

• A visually vivid near-death experience or even just the conceptual possibility of death has the potential to invoke a personal revelation. Unexpectedly coming close to dying brings about an opportunity to make a dramatic personal change. Facing the possibility of death introduces a new vision by causing a person to examine his life and the level of happiness achieved thus far. Therefore, having a near-death experience is a beneficial occurrence that can bring about a positive change in a person's life.

Illness

• A diagnosis of serious illness can actually be a useful tool for improving one's life. Similar to a near-death experience, facing an illness causes an individual to take a close look at his life. This careful examination usually turns up faults and other negative traits that create realization and a sense of responsibility thanks to the potentially devastating illness. The perseverance of an individual struggling to survive an illness inspires and motivates personal growth.

Forced Change

• Sometimes a personal revelation comes about without the intention or desire of the person having it. A forced change such as losing one's job, moving across the country or financial hardship may actually be the proponent for a life-changing epiphany. Before and during the change, the individual may be resistant. Only after the unwanted event occurs does the revelation become clear. In hindsight, the person sees the potential benefit of the change but realizes there was fear or some other interference preventing the revelation from occurring sooner.

Spiritual Awakening

• Achieving a spiritual awakening often coincides with a personal revelation. Once a person comes to the realization that there is a higher power, there is usually a newfound purpose to her life. One study presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Criminology in 2009 revealed that a spiritual awakening was enough to influence prisoners positively, permanently changing their inclination toward criminal behaviors.

Education

• Knowledge has the power to activate a life-altering personal realization. Previously unknown philosophies and ideas permanently affect thoughts, making an insightful epiphany inevitable. Purposely seeking knowledge quickens the journey toward revelation, while receiving accidental bits of information slowly leaks into an individual's mind, forever changing it. Many people who have had their own personal revelations seek to help others by way of educating the uninformed.