Self-Transcendence: Moving from Spiritual Disequilibrium to Well-Being Across the Cancer Trajectory

Abstract

To synthesize research results on self-transcendence among people affected by cancer and their caregivers to inform oncology nursing practices that promote well-being across the cancer trajectory. Self-transcendence is an inherent capacity to expand self-boundaries beyond the person's usual form to create something meaningful, whether it is a new purpose, perspective, situation, or artifact that fosters well-being. Peer-reviewed, research-based publications, and peer-reviewed theoretical publications were used. Research results are consistent with Reed's self-transcendence theory that proposes self-transcendence as a healing process for application in nursing practice. Self-transcendence facilitates well-being through the creative experiences afforded by expanding self-boundaries intrapersonally, interpersonally, and transpersonally. Nurses may use this knowledge in various practices that support well-being among people who have cancer and their families. Five comprehensive practice implications to support self-transcendence and foster well-being in individuals affected by cancer and their caregivers were synthesized from the research-based literature and aligned with Reed's self-transcendence theory.