Transformative experiences: a conceptual analysis of the integration process

Abstract

ABSTRACT Transformative experiences are becoming an important economic offer in various service contexts. Current research primarily focuses on what triggers transformation. However, what is much less known is the aftermath and integration of such experiences. A transformative experience can only be considered complete when glimpses of new insights are accommodated, new knowledge structures emerge, and epistemic expansion occurs. This renders the integration stage one of the most critical parts of the transformative process. This conceptual research paper aims to zoom in on transformative experience integration by proposing a multi-phasic process model. The paper is novel and advances transformation theory and practice in that it focuses on the overlooked mechanisms of integration. By bridging the fields of transformative service research, positive psychology, and experience design, the paper contributes an original model as a missing puzzle piece to intentionally design and guide life-changing and long-term personal development experiences in a service setting.