Suicidal thought and self-transcendence in older adults.
D Buchanan, C Farran, D Clark
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services October 1, 1995 DOI: 10.3928/0279-3695-19951001-07 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Humans Geriatric assessment Risk assessment Pilot projects Adaptation, psychological Suicide Personal satisfaction Mental disorders Interview, psychological Aging Aged Nursing assessment Female |
| Key points | Argues that self-transcendence, assessed through two questions about who and what are most meaningful to a person now, is a factor specific to older adults' adaptation to later life, and proposes that inability to answer these questions should probably prompt a suicide risk assessment. |
Abstract
1. The suicide rate for adults over 65 years of age is the highest rate for suicide in any age group, and the rate is projected to increase. 2. To address a clinical concern, such as suicide, clinicians and researchers must identify factors that are specific to each population at high risk. This study chose to examine self-transcendence, which is thought to be specific to older adults' success in meeting the multiple changes of later life. 3. Two questions that address self-transcendence are: "Who is most meaningful (important) to you now?" and "What is most meaningful (important) to you now?" If an older adult is unable to answer these questions, a suicide risk assessment should probably be done.
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- HIV, self-transcendence, and quality of life Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care March 1, 1997
- Self-transcendence: A salutogenic process for well-being Health Promotion in Health Care Vital Theories and Research April 12, 2021
- Self-Transcendence and Activities of Daily Living Journal of Holistic Nursing September 1, 1999