The relationship between self-transcendence and acceptance of illness levels in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a cross-sectional study

Abstract This study examines the relationship between self-transcendence and acceptance of illness in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and explores how pathophysiological and psychological factors influence acceptance of illness. A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 480 COPD patients hospitalized due to exacerbations. Data were collected using the Self-Transcendence Scale (STS) and Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), along with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of acceptance of illness. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The participants had a mean age of 71.67 ± 5.93, with 90.6% aged 65 or older. Regarding disease severity, most participants were in advanced stages, with 68.1% in GOLD Stage III and 17.3% in Stage IV, while 61.9% reported severe dyspnea (mMRC score of 3). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that STS positively predicted AIS (B = 0.266, p < 0.001), whereas being in GOLD Stage IV (B = -3.315, p < 0.001) and experiencing greater dyspnea severity (B = -1.312, p < 0.001) were significant negative predictors. These three variables collectively explained 36.1% of the variance in AIS (Adjusted R² = 0.361, p < 0.001). Self-transcendence is crucial for improving illness acceptance in COPD patients, while advanced disease stage and severe dyspnea pose challenges. Psychological support that fosters self-transcendence should be integrated into COPD management to enhance quality of life and coping abilities.