Well-being: the correlation between self-transcendence and psychological and subjective well-being

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between psychological and subjective well-being measures and ego-transcendence using a combination of quantitative and qualitative measures. The quantitative portion of this study demonstrated positive correlations between ego-transcendence and the predicted factors, including subjective well-being (SWB), psychological well-being (PWB), quality of life, and mindfulness. Conversely, ego-transcendence correlated negatively with depression, anxiety and narcissism. These results support the hypothesis that as one moves away from egoic identification and towards self-actualization, one’s level and quality of well-being, which is less dependent on external conditions, also increases. The high ego-transcender is happy, satisfied with specific aspects of daily life, and his well-being is not dependent on external circumstances or events for his sense of well-being. The qualitative findings converged with the quantitative findings. Qualitative data demonstrated that high ego-transcendent people compared to low ego-transcendent people: (a) have a greater sense of stability in their well-being, which tends to not diminish as external conditions change; (b) perceive happiness and well-being as a choice on a daily basis; (c) derive their well-being from their work, close relationships, exercise and a spiritual practice; (d) have a high sense of optimism which is not focused so much on egoist achievements, but rather on deeperinterpersonal relationships and the service of humanity (purpose in life); and (e) have an ability to disidentify with self, which seems to allow them to develop deeper states of being such as the ability to reflect on meaning of both positive and negative events rather than react impulsively to them, focus on process rather than achievement, accept conditions rather than judge them, the ability to be mindful rather than to dwell on the past or the future, and they are more focused on finding their purpose in life rather than on determination.