Facilitating Self-Transcendence: An Intervention to Enhance Well-Being in Late Life.
This randomized controlled pilot study evaluated the effects of the Psychoeducational Approach to Transcendence and Health (PATH) Program, an 8-week intervention hypothesized to increase self-transcendence and improve well-being in community-dwelling women aged 60 years and older ( N = 20). The PATH combined mindfulness exercises, group processes, creative activities, and at-home practice using community engaged research methods. Findings provided some support for the effectiveness of PATH. Although there was no significant Group × Time interaction, self-transcendence, psychological well-being, and life satisfaction differed significantly pre- and postintervention in the wait-listed control group, which received a revised version of the program. Further study is needed with a larger sample to determine the effectiveness of PATH. Potentially, PATH may be a convenient and affordable activity to support personal development and improve well-being among older adults at senior centers, retirement communities, nursing homes, church groups, and other places where older adults gather.
1 University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
Valerie Lander
VL
McCarthy
1 University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
Lynne A
LA
Hall
1 University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
Timothy N
TN
Crawford
1 University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
Jennifer
J
Connelly
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living / Q000523:psychology*; D064866:Mindfulness; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States
intervention; life span development; self-transcendence; well-being