Self-Transcendence Scale (STS)

Abstract

The Self-Transcendence Scale (STS) is a widely utilized psychological test designed to quantify the degree to which an individual experiences self-transcendence. Developed in 1986 by nursing theorist Pamela Reed, the scale operationalizes this construct, which involves going beyond the self to connect with something larger, such as others, nature, or a higher power. As a 15-item self-report questionnaire, the STS has demonstrated robust psychometric properties, making it valuable for research exploring the relationship between self-transcendence and indicators of positive mental health, including well-being and life satisfaction.

Keywords

Self-Transcendence, STS, Pamela Reed, Nursing Research, Spirituality, Well-being, Life Satisfaction, Psychological Measurement, Gerontology.

Authors

Pamela G. Reed

Purpose

The primary purpose of the STS is to provide a quantitative measure of the individual’s capacity for self-transcendence. This measurement allows researchers and clinicians to assess a person’s ability to shift attention and concern beyond immediate, personal limitations and integrate themself into a broader existential context. The scale is particularly useful for assessing psychological and spiritual adaptation, especially in older adults or those facing life transitions, chronic illness, or terminal conditions.

The scale items focus on behaviors, feelings, and thoughts that indicate an expansive worldview, including the ability to find meaning in past experiences, accept physical changes, and maintain a connection to others or spiritual beliefs, thus promoting overall well-being.

Construct

The STS measures self-transcendence, a complex psychological and philosophical construct defined as the expansion of self-boundaries. According to Reed’s conceptualization, this expansion can manifest in three primary ways: 1) Intrapersonally, through heightened self-awareness and integration of past and present; 2) Interpersonally, through connecting with others and the environment; and 3) Transpersonally, through spiritual connection or connection to a higher purpose or power.

The scale operationalizes this construct by probing experiences such as feeling connected to something larger than oneself and experiencing a sense of peace and serenity. This construct is often studied in relation to psychological maturity and successful aging, particularly because it addresses the individual’s ability to cope with physical decline and mortality.

Validity

The STS has been consistently cited in academic literature as a valid measure of the self-transcendence construct. Validation studies, particularly those focused on older adults and clinical populations, support its use as an appropriate tool for capturing the psychological and spiritual dimensions intended by the developer. Research confirms its theoretical alignment by showing that STS scores correlate positively with measures of psychological adjustment, adaptation to aging, and overall life satisfaction.

Reliability

The scale has demonstrated strong internal reliability across various populations since its initial publication. The original development and subsequent research studies confirm that the 15 items consistently measure the underlying construct. High internal consistency, typically assessed via Cronbach’s alpha, supports the scale’s stability and precision in assessing the frequency of self-transcendent thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This robust reliability ensures that the scores obtained are dependable for research and clinical assessment purposes, particularly in studies involving nursing and gerontology.

Factor Analysis

While the source content does not provide explicit factor analysis results (e.g., specific factor loadings or variance explained), the STS is generally treated as a unidimensional scale measuring the overall construct of self-transcendence. The original 15 items were developed to reflect a single, unified construct related to expansive consciousness.

However, some subsequent research utilizing factor analysis has explored potential sub-dimensions related to inner integration, temporal perspective, and interconnectedness, aligning with the theoretical framework proposed by Pamela Reed. Researchers interested in multi-dimensional applications should consult detailed psychometric studies that have been conducted on diverse cultural groups, such as Korean elders.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-Report Questionnaire

Format: 15 items, rated on a 4-point Likert scale (1=Not at all, 2=Very little, 3=Somewhat, 4=Very much)

Language Available: English (Original), Korean (as noted in cited research)

Population Group: Clinical and Non-Clinical Adults; frequently used in nursing and palliative care settings.

Age Group: Adults, particularly older adults and the elderly (including “oldest-old adults”).

Population Details: Has been validated and used extensively with terminally ill patients, healthy adults, Korean elders, and family caregivers, focusing on adaptation during major life stages or crises.

Test Methodology: Respondents rate how often they experience specific thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to self-transcendence over a specified period.

Keywords

Spirituality, Aging, Psychological Adjustment, Pamela Reed, Nursing Theory, Existential Well-being, Measurement Scale, Terminal Illness.

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Not specified in source materials.

Affiliation Email addresses: Not specified in source materials.

Correspondence Address: Refer to Pamela G. Reed’s publications from 1986-1991, associated with nursing research institutions, for current contact details.

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

The Self-Transcendence Scale was originally published in 1986. This instrument is frequently utilized in academic and clinical research, particularly within the field of nursing theory. Information regarding current usage permissions and associated fees is not provided in the source material; users are advised to contact the original author, Pamela G. Reed, or relevant licensing bodies for authorization prior to use.

Reference’s

The following references were cited in the development and validation of the STS:

• Reed, P. G. (1986). Development of a scale of self-transcendence. Nursing Research, 35, 305-310.
• Reed, P. G. (1986). – Religiousness among terminally ill and healthy adults. Research in Nursing and Health, 9(1), 35-41.
• Reed, P. G. (1987). Spirituality and well-being in terminally hospitalized adults. Research in Nursing & Health. 10(5), 335-344.
• Reed, P. G. (1991). Self-Transcendence and mental health in oldest-old adults. Nursing Research, 40(1):5-11.
• Ellison, C. G., & Smith, R. J. (1991). Toward an integrative definition of spirituality. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 19, 33-44.
• Wong, P. T. P., & Fry, P. S. (1998). The human quest for meaning: A lifespan approach. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
• Suk-Sun Kim. (2008). INTERDEPENDENCE OF SPIRITUALITY AND WELL-BEING AMONG KOREAN ELDERS AND FAMILY CAREGIVERS. THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA .Phd Thesis.

The original PDF containing the instrument and scoring instructions can be downloaded here: https://www.nursing.arizona.edu/Library/081_Kim_Suk-Sun.pdf

Items of the Self-Transcendence Scale (STS)

IMPORTANT: The following scale items must be preserved in their original language and must not be changed in any way. The STS is scored using a 4-point Likert scale, where 1=Not at all, 2=Very little, 3=Somewhat, 4=Very much.

1. ha‎ving hobbies or interests I can enjoy
2. Accepting myself as I grow older.
3. Being involved with other people or my community when possible
4. Adjusting well to my present life situation.
5. Adjusting to the changes in my physical ability.
6. Sharing my wisdom or experience with others.
7. Finding meaning in my past experiences.
8. Helping younger people or others in some way.
9. ha‎ving an interest in continuing to learn about things.
10. Putting aside some things that I once thought were so important.
11. Accepting death as a part of life.
12. Finding meaning in my spiritual beliefs.
13. Letting others help me when I may need it.
14. Enjoying my pace of life.
15. Dwelling on my past unmet dreams or goals.