Self-transcendence, nurse-patient interaction and the outcome of multidimensional well-being in cognitively intact nursing home patients

Aims and objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between age, gender, self‐transcendence, nurse–patient interaction and multidimensional well‐being as the outcome among cognitively intact nursing home patients. Background Self‐transcendence is considered to be a vital resource of well‐being in vulnerable populations and at the end of life. Moreover, the quality of care and the nurse–patient interaction is found to influence self‐transcendence and well‐being in nursing home patients. Design and method A cross‐sectional design employing the Self‐Transcendence Scale, the Nurse–Patient Interaction Scale, the FACT‐G Quality of Life and the FACIT‐Sp Spiritual Well‐Being questionnaires was adopted. A sample of 202 cognitively intact nursing home patients from 44 nursing homes in central Norway was selected. A previous documented two‐factor construct of self‐transcendence was applied. The statistical analyses were carried out by means of independent sample t‐test, correlation and regression analyses. Results Multiple linear regression analyses revealed significant relationships between interpersonal self‐transcendence and social, functional and spiritual well‐being, whereas intrapersonal self‐transcendence significantly related to emotional, social, functional and spiritual well‐being. Nurse–patient interaction related to physical, emotional and functional well‐being. Age and gender were not significant predictors for well‐being, except for functional and spiritual well‐being where women scored higher than men. Conclusion Nurse–patient interaction and self‐transcendence are vital resources for promoting well‐being physically, emotionally, functionally, socially and spiritually among cognitively intact nursing home patients. Relevance to clinical practice Nurse–patient interaction signifies vital and ultimate nursing qualities promoting self‐transcendence and multidimensional well‐being. These findings are important for clinical nursing intending to increase patients’ well‐being.