Metanoia (psychology)

In psychology, metanoia (from the Greek word μετάνοια, metanoia, meaning “changing one's mind” or “repentance”) refers to a process of fundamental psychological transformation, often precipitated by crisis, breakdown, or existential conflict. It denotes a shift in an individual’s perception of self, others, or life itself—typically involving disintegration of an old identity followed by the emergence of a reorganized, more integrated self.

The term derives from the Ancient Greek words μετά (metá) (meaning "beyond" or "after") and νόος (noeō) (meaning "perception" or "understanding" or "mind"), and takes on different meanings in different contexts. It is widely used in the Greek New Testament, where it is commonly translated into English as "repentance". Key appearances include Mark 1:15, Luke 15:7, and Acts 2:38, where it signifies not only remorse but a radical change in one’s life-orientation, a spiritual and existential turning point. In early Christian theology, metanoia came to represent both a momentary and lifelong process of spiritual transformation.