The lived experience of self-transcendence in women with AIDS.

OBJECTIVE

To 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.

DESIGN

Exploratory-descriptive, using phenomenological research methods for the study approach, data collection, and data analysis.

SETTING

One written description and nine audiotaped interviews of self-transcendence experiences were provided by women with class IV HIV infection (AIDS).

PARTICIPANTS

Ten women recruited by nurses at an AIDS family clinic and through a flyer at the AIDS Support Group House in Seattle.

OUTCOMES

Participant 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.

RESULTS

The findings support the theory that self-transcendence views and behaviors are a source of mental health at the end of life.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest several ways nurses may help women with AIDS discover or make meaning and purpose in their lives.