Self-transcendence in cognitively intact nursing-home patients: a resource for well-being.
OBJECTIVE
This article reports an empirical study of self-transcendence in cognitively intact nursing-home patients. The aim was to investigate the interrelationships between self-transcendence and nursing-home patients' physical, social, emotional and functional well-being.


BACKGROUND
Finding new and alternative approaches to increase well-being among nursing-home patients is highly warranted. Self-transcendence is considered a developmental process of maturity in adulthood and a vital resource for well-being at the end of life, thus self-transcendence could be a useful approach.


METHODS
Cross-sectional


METHODS
The self-transcendence scale and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy General (FACT-G) Quality of Life questionnaire were used. A sample of 202 cognitively intact nursing-home patients in Mid-Norway was selected to respond to the instruments in 2008 and 2009. Analysis was applied by means of LISREL 8·8 Structural Equation Modelling.


RESULTS
A two-factor construct of self-transcendence showed that intrapersonal self-transcendence directly affected functional well-being and indirectly influenced physical, emotional and functional well-being. Interpersonal self-transcendence directly affected social and emotional well-being. Additionally important influences were disclosed from functional to emotional and from emotional to physical well-being.


CONCLUSIONS
Finding nursing interventions to enhance both intrapersonal and interpersonal self-transcendence might benefit nursing-home patients' overall well-being. In a holistic perspective of body-mind-spirit, this research generates new-research questions about the pathways between the different dimensions of well-being in nursing-home patients, which is important to holistic nursing practice.
Faculty of Nursing, Research Centre for Health Promotion and Resources, Sør-Trøndelag University College, Norway. gorill.haugan@hist.no
Gørill
G
Haugan
Toril
T
Rannestad
Randi
R
Hammervold
Helge
H
Garåsen
Geir Arild
GA
Espnes
D003071:Cognition; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients / Q000523:psychology*; D009735:Nursing Homes; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires