Introduction: Self-transcendence-connectedness within and beyond the self-is a complex phenomenon theorized to increase with age, but evidence is mixed. This longitudinal study is the first to investigate changes in self-transcendence across late midlife using life story narratives. Method: We tracked self-reported and narrative identity self-transcendence scores of 163 participants as they...
Self-transcendence is the experience of feeling connected to something greater than oneself. Previous studies have shown high scores on self-transcendence are associated with well-being and other psychological benefits, but have rarely examined the lived experiences of highly self-transcendent people. Black and White men and women in late-midlife completed Life Story Interviews and self-report...