Ego Dissolution, Death Anxiety, and Impulse Regulation: A Conceptual Psychological Model of Contemplative Transformation

Contemplative practices like mindfulness and meditation can reduce egoic boundaries, which in turn diminishes existential fears and improves impulse regulation. This conceptual model proposes that enhanced self-control and lower death anxiety are key mechanisms through which these practices foster emotional stability, resilience, and adaptive behavior. The framework integrates contemporary psychological theory with contemplative insights to explain personal growth and spiritual development, offering a basis for future empirical testing and applications in therapy and organizations.

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Abstract

This conceptual paper proposes a psychological model exploring how contemplative practices facilitate transformation by influencing ego dissolution, death anxiety, and impulse regulation. Drawing on insights from mindfulness, meditation, and contemplative traditions, the study examines how the temporary reduction of egoic boundaries (ego dissolution) can diminish existential fears and improve self-regulatory capacities. The model suggests that enhanced impulse regulation and reduced death anxiety mediate the psychological benefits of contemplative practices, fostering emotional stability, resilience, and adaptive behavior. By integrating contemporary psychological theory with contemplative insights, this work offers a framework for understanding mechanisms underlying personal growth, well-being, and spiritual development. It contributes to research in psychology, mental health, and contemplative studies, providing a foundation for future empirical validation and applied interventions in therapeutic and organizational settings.