A Qualitative Study on the Self-Transcendence Experience of Middle-aged Working Women Participating in Self-transcendence and Health Program

Purpose: This study developed a Psychoeducational Approach to Transcendence and Health Program (PATH) for middle-aged women in Korea, focusing on five key areas of self-transcendence: introspection, relationships, contemplation, spirituality, and creativity. The exploratory qualitative study aimed to investigate participants' experiences by analyzing self-transcendence records they had written. Methods: The PATH program involved pairs of participants who met weekly for three weeks to engage in intensive discussions on two topics for 60 minutes each. Participants were also asked to write down weekly tasks in a notebook for 10-15 minutes each day. Content analysis was conducted in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines. Results: Participants (n=29) had a mean age of 52.5 years. Analysis revealed themes in self-transcendence: Introspection: &quotpatient egoist&quot and &quotchameleon in the battlefield,&quot reflecting maturity; Rela- tionships: &quotsolving the puzzle of relationships&quot and &quotthings still to share,&quot emphasizing empathy; Contemplation: &quotfull of problems but trusting myself&quot and &quotI am a winner,&quot showcasing insights; Spirituality: &quotcurious about the afterlife&quot and &quotpreparing for death,&quot demonstrating a sense of absoluteness; Creativity: &quotfinding happiness in growth,&quot representing aesthetics. Conclusion: The PATH program effectively promotes successful aging for middle-aged working women by fostering self-transcendence in five key areas.