Facilitating Self-Transcendence: An Intervention to Enhance Well-Being in Late Life
V. L. McCarthy, L. Hall, T. Crawford, J. Connelly
Western Journal of Nursing Research June 1, 2018 DOI: 10.1177/0193945917690731 (opens in new tab) via Semantic Scholar
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractAn 8-week Psychoeducational Approach to Transcendence and Health (PATH) program, combining mindfulness, group processes, creative activities, and at-home practice, was tested in a pilot study with 20 women aged 60 and older. No significant Group × Time interaction was found, but self-transcendence, psychological well-being, and life satisfaction improved from before to after the intervention in the wait-listed control group that later received a revised version. Larger studies are needed to confirm effectiveness. PATH may offer a convenient, affordable activity to support personal development and well-being among older adults in community settings.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Randomized controlled pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 20 |
| Population | Community-dwelling women aged 60 years and older |
| Intervention | Psychoeducational Approach to Transcendence and Health (PATH) Program |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Keywords | Medicine Psychology |
| Key finding | No significant Group × Time interaction was found, but self-transcendence, psychological well-being, and life satisfaction improved pre- to postintervention in the wait-listed control group receiving a revised PATH program. |
Abstract
This randomized controlled pilot study evaluated the effects of the Psychoeducational Approach to Transcendence and Health (PATH) Program, an 8-week intervention hypothesized to increase self-transcendence and improve well-being in community-dwelling women aged 60 years and older (N = 20). The PATH combined mindfulness exercises, group processes, creative activities, and at-home practice using community engaged research methods. Findings provided some support for the effectiveness of PATH. Although there was no significant Group × Time interaction, self-transcendence, psychological well-being, and life satisfaction differed significantly pre- and postintervention in the wait-listed control group, which received a revised version of the program. Further study is needed with a larger sample to determine the effectiveness of PATH. Potentially, PATH may be a convenient and affordable activity to support personal development and improve well-being among older adults at senior centers, retirement communities, nursing homes, church groups, and other places where older adults gather.