Psychologists examine spiritual transformation within the context of an individual's meaning system,[2][need quotation to verify] especially in relation to concepts of the sacred or of ultimate concern.
[3] Two of the fuller treatments of the concept in psychology come from Kenneth Pargament and from Raymond Paloutzian.
[4] Paloutzian suggests that "spiritual transformation constitutes a change in the meaning system that a person holds as a basis for self-definition, the interpretation of life, and overarching purposes and ultimate concerns" (p. 334).
[6] The Metanexus Institute (founded 1997) in New York has sponsored scientific research on spiritual transformation.
[7] Occurrences of the phrase "spiritual transformation" in Google Books suggest a surge in the popularity of the concept from the late-20th century.