Self-Transcendence and Well-Being in Homeless Adults

Abstract

This study examines the relationships of spiritually and physically related variables to well-being among homeless adults. A convenience sample of 61 sheltered homeless persons completed the Spiritual Perspective Scale, the Self-Transcendence Scale, the Index of Well-Being, and items measuring fatigue and health status. The data were subjected to correlational and multiple regression analysis. Positive, significant correlations were found among spiritual perspective, self-transcendence, health status, and well-being. Fatigue was inversely correlated with health status and well-being. Self-transcendence and health status together explained 59% of the variance in well-being. The findings support Reed's theory of self-transcendence, in which there is the basic assumption that human beings have the potential to integrate difficult life situations. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence that conceptualizes homeless persons as having spiritual, emotional, and physical capacities that can be used by health care professionals to promote well-being in this vulnerable population.

Meaning-Seeking, Self-Transcendence, and Well-being

“…For the elderly, the adaptive functions of self-transcendence can be found in increased well-being (e.g., Coward 1996 ;Ellermann and Reed 2001 ;Runquist and Reed 2007 ) and spirituality (e.g., Emmons 2005Emmons , 2006Grouzet et al 2005 ). Self-transcendence is especially important for the elderly and patients with terminal illnesses (e.g., Burr et al 2011 ;Coward and Reed 1996 ;Haugan et al 2013 ;Iwamoto et al 2011 ;Matthews and Cook 2008 ;McCarthy and Bockweb 2013 ;Reker and Woo 2011 ).…”

Diferencias en felicidad general entre las personas sin hogar en Madrid (España)

“…Diferentes investigaciones señalan la existencia de una relación positiva entre salud y felicidad (Dolan et al, 2008;Schimmel, 2009), aspecto también observado entre las personas sin hogar (Rew, 2002;Runquist y Reed, 2007). Aunque la salud objetiva correlaciona positivamente con la felicidad individual, la variable relacionada con la salud que presenta una mayor correlación con felicidad general es la percepción subjetiva de salud (Diener, Suh, Lucas y Smith, 1999), de forma que unas adecuadas condiciones contextuales y emocionales de adaptación permitirían explicar por qué una persona puede sentirse feliz pese a padecer una enfermedad grave.…”

Spiritual and Alternative Healthcare Practices of the Amish

“…24,25 Self-transcendence, quality of life, and well-being are explored in vulnerable populations that have been given a life-changing diagnosis, such as persons with AIDS and breast cancer, or in populations such as the homeless. [26][27][28][29][30] Finally, the significance of this concept has been explored with healthy populations. 31,32 No prior research using Reed's theory of self-transcendence have been conducted among the Amish.…”