Relationship between self-transcendence and hopelessness in patients with lung cancer: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between self-transcendence and hopelessness in hospitalized lung cancer patients. Conducted between February and September 2023 in a hospital in western Türkiye, the cross-sectional study included 400 patients. Data were collected using a Patient Identification Form, the Self-Transcendence Scale (STS), and the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS). The mean age was 64.79 ± 9.45 years, with 77.0% of participants being male and 71.7% diagnosed at stage IV. Findings revealed a moderate level of STS (mean = 32.75 ± 6.89) and a high level of BHS (mean = 15.56 ± 5.03). A significant negative correlation was observed between self-transcendence and hopelessness (Model 1: β = −0.371, Model 2: β = −0.260), suggesting that as self-transcendence increases, hopelessness decreases. These findings emphasize, in scientific terms, the necessity of integrating structured psychosocial interventions into lung cancer care to enhance psychological resilience and overall patient outcomes. Supporting self-transcendence may help reduce hopelessness, contributing to improved psychological well-being and quality of life.