Peak experience project

This paper emerges from the continued analysis of data collected in a series of international studies concerning Childhood Peak Experiences (CPEs) based on developments in understanding peak experiences in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs initiated by Dr Edward Hoffman. Bridging from the series of studies, Canadian researchers explore collected retrospective narrative CPE accounts, and focus on the implications claimed by participants of the meaning and significance of CPEs in participants’ lives. Through the analysis of participant accounts, researchers identified several recurring themes that indicate possible life long impacts of CPEs such as vocational path, attitudinal/emotional orientation, sense of self and philosophical/religious orientation. The authors consider some of the implications for therapeutic work with children and youth, including integration of CPEs, their role in strength‐based approaches and as potential resources for intervention.