End-of-Life Dreams and Visions and Self-Transcendence: A Comparison Study.

End-of-life dreams and visions (ELDVs) are common and meaningful for people nearing death, but this study found no difference in self-transcendence between hospice patients who experienced ELDVs and those who did not. Seventy-two hospice patients (35 with ELDVs and 37 without) completed the Self-Transcendence Scale. No significant differences emerged between groups (p = 0.310). Patients with ELDVs did not report greater self-transcendence than nondreaming patients, and no individual survey items differed. The authors suggest self-transcendence may be a natural developmental stage, closely tied to religiosity and end of life, or that holistic hospice care itself may influence self-transcendence, obscuring any effect of ELDVs.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Background: End-of-life dreams and visions (ELDVs) are common and meaningful experiences for individuals trending toward death. While research has shown the positive impact of ELDVs on some psychological processes, there is more to learn. Objective: This study aimed to explore the differences in perceived self-transcendence between hospice patients who experience ELDVs and hospice patients who do not have this experience. Design: This is a cross-sectional comparison study. Settings/Subjects: Seventy-two hospice patients (35 with ELDV experiences and 37 without ELDV experiences) were recruited after being admitted into hospice. Study procedures were completed at the participant's current place of residence, all within the United States. Measurements: Self-transcendence was assessed using the Self-Transcendence Scale. Demographic information and a measure of confusion were also collected. Results: No significant differences were discovered between groups in terms of self-transcendence based on the measure used (p = 0.310). Patients with ELDVs did not experience greater levels of self-transcendence compared with nondreaming patients. Further, no significant differences were found on any of the items within the survey. Conclusions: The presence of ELDVs did not impact the experience of self-transcendence for hospice patients. Findings may be, in part, explained by (1) the consideration of self-transcendence as a natural stage of development, (2) the intrinsic relationship between self-transcendence, religiosity, and end of life, or (3) the holistic nature of hospice care and its impact on self-transcendence. Future research may explore if and how the presence of ELDVs impacts spiritual wellness for the dying.