This paper examines Reed's Theory of Self-Transcendence, which posits that human beings find meaning by orienting themselves toward something beyond the self. Rooted in Rogers' Theory of Unitary Beings, the theory identifies four dimensions of self-transcendence — intrapersonal, interpersonal, transpersonal, and temporal — and aims to provide nurses with a practical framework for promoting well-being during life-threatening or challenging circumstances. The paper analyzes the theory's core concepts (self-transcendence, well-being, and vulnerability), its key attributes (caring presence, search for meaning, transcendence, and harmonious interconnectedness), and illustrates these through model, related, and contrary nursing cases. Antecedents and consequences of spiritual care are also discussed, with a concluding emphasis on mentorship in spiritual nursing practice.
Self-transcendence refers to the ability of a human being to find meaning by being drawn toward someone or something other than themselves. The theory finds its roots in Rogers' Theory of Unitary Beings (Reed, 2009, p. 397). The theory puts forth four ways in which self-transcendence can be accomplished: intrapersonal, interpersonal, transpersonal, and temporal (Palmer, Quinn, Palmer, & Fitzpatrick, 2010).
The aim of the theory is to provide nurses with a framework for practice and inquiry as it pertains to the promotion of well-being amid complicated life situations.
Self-transcendence: Reed theorizes that people who face life-threatening situations may experience an unusually expanded awareness of their environment, and that self-transcendence can be expressed through their behaviors, ideas, and perspectives. They become more accepting of death, let go of loss, and are open to finding spiritual meaning (Haugan, Rannestad, Garasen, & Espnes, 2011).
Well-being: Reed defines well-being as having a sense of wholeness and health as it pertains to one's own standards of health and wholeness (Haugan, Rannestad, Garasen, & Espnes, 2011).
Vulnerability: Refers to an individual's awareness of their own mortality and their experience of trying events.
Caring presence is about the idea of being touching, caring, available, and being able to lend spiritual and emotional support (Kliewer, 2004).
Search for meaning and purpose involves searching for life's ontological significance (Villagomeza, 2005).
Transcendence involves going beyond one's own limitations to gain a greater understanding of the universe and oneself. Transcendence is one of the ways a person can experience the world (Armstrong, 2008). Patients may become aware of a higher power and seek intervention through faith (Touhy et al., 2005).
Harmonious interconnectedness can be manifested in having a healthy relationship with God, the environment, and oneself.
"Three nursing scenarios illustrating the theory"
"Conditions and outcomes of spiritual nursing care"
There are several reasons that may prompt medical practitioners to omit spiritual nursing from their clinical practice. Most of these shortcomings can be addressed if practitioners had more information and could empirically define the attributes of good spiritual nursing. Villagomeza (2005) suggests that nurses who already provide spiritual nursing care should act as mentors to those who are willing to incorporate it into their own practice.
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