The Lived Experience of Self-Transcendence in Women With AIDS

Women with AIDS find meaning and purpose in their lives through experiences of receiving from others, giving to others, and maintaining hope. Self-transcendence views and behaviors are a source of mental health at the end of life. The findings suggest several ways nurses may help women with AIDS discover or make meaning and purpose in their lives.

Study at a glance

Abstract

ObjectiveTo describe the lived experience of self-transcendence in women with AIDS, associated with increased sense of meaning and purpose, well-being, self-esteem, and connectedness with self and/or others.DesignExploratory-descriptive, using phenomenological research methods for the study approach, data collection, and data analysis.SettingOne written description and nine audiotaped interviews of self-transcendence experiences were provided by women with class IV HIV infection (AIDS).ParticipantsTen women recruited by nurses at an AIDS family clinic and through a flyer at the AIDS Support Group House in Seattle.OutcomesParticipant descriptions indicated that women with AIDS continue to find meaning and purpose in their lives through experiences of receiving from others, giving to others, and maintaining hope.ResultsThe findings support the theory that self-transcendence views and behaviors are a source of mental health at the end of life.ConclusionsThe findings suggest several ways nurses may help women with AIDS discover or make meaning and purpose in their lives.