Self-transcendence, a reduced reliance on external self-definition and increased interiority, spirituality, and generational connectedness, is proposed as key to wisdom and later-life adaptation. A study of 351 adults using the Adult Self-Transcendence Inventory and NEO-FFI found two factors: self-transcendence and alienation. Self-transcendence showed modest but significant relationships with lower neuroticism and higher openness, extraversion, and agreeableness, indicating it is not just a mix of positive traits. Regression analysis confirmed self-transcendence was negatively linked to neuroticism and positively linked to meditation practice, supporting the construct's distinctiveness.
Among chronic brain syndrome patients, dream recall rates differ by severity of organic impairment and age. Mildly organic patients recalled 57% of dreams, severely organic middle-aged patients recalled 35%, and aged severely organic patients recalled only 8%. The difference between mild and severe middle-aged groups was not statistically significant, but the aged severely organic group's recall was significantly lower than either middle-aged group. Dream content also differed between mild and severe middle-aged groups and between all patients and normal young men.