Clearing the Pathways to Self-Transcendence.
Frontiers in psychology January 1, 2021 Piers Worth, Matthew D Smith 36 citations
Self-transcendence is proposed as a way to find relief and support during COVID-19 and other times of uncertainty, but its multiple existing definitions are complex, obscure, and imprecisely spiritual, making it excluding for wider populations. This critical summary review examines historical foundations and key theoretical approaches to self-transcendence and self-transcendent experiences, aiming for clarity. The authors argue that clearer understanding can make self-transcendence an inclusive, democratized resource for supporting well-being and resilience in the context of COVID and beyond.