The Self-Transcendence Scale

Self-transcendence, the capacity to expand personal boundaries, is linked to well-being. This study examined the dimensionality of the Norwegian Self-Transcendence Scale in 202 cognitively intact elderly nursing home residents. Exploratory factor analysis yielded two- and four-factor solutions explaining 35.3% and 50.7% of variance, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis showed both models fit better than a one-factor model. The findings indicate self-transcendence is multifactorial; the two-factor model may be the most accurate measure. The research provides psychometric insights and raises questions about connections between self-transcendence and well-being.

Study at a glance

Abstract

PURPOSE: Self-transcendence, the ability to expand personal boundaries in multiple ways, has been found to provide well-being. The purpose of this study was to examine the dimensionality of the Norwegian version of the Self-Transcendence Scale, which comprises 15 items. BACKGROUND: Reed's empirical nursing theory of self-transcendence provided the theoretical framework; self-transcendence includes an interpersonal, intrapersonal, transpersonal, and temporal dimension. DESIGN: Cross-sectional data were obtained from a sample of 202 cognitively intact elderly patients in 44 Norwegian nursing homes. RESULTS: Exploratory factor analysis revealed two and four internally consistent dimensions of self-transcendence, explaining 35.3% (two factors) and 50.7% (four factors) of the variance, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the hypothesized two- and four-factor models fitted better than the one-factor model (cx (2), root mean square error of approximation, standardized root mean square residual, normed fit index, nonnormed fit index, comparative fit index, goodness-of-fit index, and adjusted goodness-of-fit index). CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate self-transcendence as a multifactorial construct; at present, we conclude that the two-factor model might be the most accurate and reasonable measure of self-transcendence. IMPLICATIONS: This research generates insights in the application of the widely used Self-Transcendence Scale by investigating its psychometric properties by applying a confirmatory factor analysis. It also generates new research-questions on the associations between self-transcendence and well-being.