Isabel Reyes

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Graham, Steven

Area of Concentration

Psychology and Gender Studies

Abstract

Previous research has explored connections between PTSD and social support, specifically for sexual assault (SA) related PTSD, as well as connections between social support and self-transcendence. Self-transcendence has also been found to be beneficial for overall well-being. The current study assesses the relationship between self-transcendence and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms, or PTSS. This was done through an online survey sent out to social media groups and forums. The survey consisted of a PTSS scale, a self-transcendence scale, items on mitigating/aggravating factors of their SA(s), as well items on spirituality/religiosity and other demographic items. The results found no correlations between self-transcendence and PTSS. Significant correlations were found for recurrence and PTSS, number of years since first SA with years since most recent SA, spirituality and self-transcendence, spirituality and PTSS, spirituality and PTSD diagnosis threshold, and religiosity and spirituality (N = 78). The correlation approached significance for self-transcendence and dissociation, which was a specific aspect of PTSS/D that was hypothesized to have a relationship. Results suggest mixed possibilities on the potential benefits of self-transcendence as well as possible negative implications, which calls for continued research on self-transcendence and PTSS/D.

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