Knowra Self-transcendence Self-transcendence Self-transcendence is a movement beyond self-focused concerns toward broader purposes, relationships, or realities. It can describe a psychological capacity, a developmental process, or a philosophical ideal.
Meaning in life : A person's sense that life has purpose, coherence, and significance. Self-transcendence often locates meaning in purposes extending beyond personal interests.
Self-concept : The set of beliefs and evaluations a person holds about who they are. Moving beyond self-concern presupposes some distinction between self and other.
Abraham Maslow : An American psychologist known for a theory of human motivation and a hierarchy of needs. Maslow later described self-transcendence as extending beyond self-actualization.
Self-actualization : The realization and development of a person's capacities and potential. Maslow distinguished fulfilling one's potential from orienting beyond the individual self.
Logotherapy : A form of psychotherapy that helps people find meaning and purpose in life. Its therapeutic method directs attention toward meaningful tasks and relationships beyond self-preoccupation.
Spirituality : Practices and beliefs concerning sacredness, ultimate reality, or connection to something beyond the self. Spiritual experience is one common way people describe going beyond ordinary self-concern.
Intrinsic motivation : Engagement in an activity for its inherent interest or satisfaction rather than external reward. Self-transcendent aims can be pursued for their own value, not personal reward.
Viktor Frankl : An Austrian psychiatrist who developed logotherapy, emphasizing the search for meaning. Frankl argued that meaning is found by reaching beyond oneself toward a cause or person.
Self-enhancement : The pursuit of increased status, success, or positive evaluation of oneself. Self-enhancement centers personal advantage, the orientation self-transcendence moves beyond.
Post-traumatic growth : Positive psychological change some people report after struggling with traumatic events. Some accounts describe trauma as prompting wider purpose, compassion, or spiritual perspective.
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