Toward a Theory of Death Transcendence

A preliminary theory of transcendence is proposed that neither assumes that persons are pervasively motivated to deny death nor that immortality is conceptually or empirically impossible. Using categories from Lifton's work, five cognitive modes of transcendence are proposed, the creative, nature, biosocial, religious, and mysticism. Scales to measure these modes were devised based on factor analysis of items in a large sample (N = 587). These scales were subsequently correlated with Spilka's Fear of Death scales in one sample (N = 342), and with Spilka's perspective and the Allport and Ross intrinsic/extrinsic scales in another sample (N = 105). In a final study, interviews with a sample of older adults (N = 39) allowed categorization of participants on each of Lifton's categories and these were correlated with intrinsic/extrinsic religiosity and Spilka's Death perspective scales. In all samples, meaningful patterns of correlations were obtained indicating the usefulness of our preliminary theoretical concerns. A cognitive theory of transcendence in opposition to widely postulated denial theories seems fruitful. In addition, the special linkage between cognitive modes of transcendence and mysticism is discussed.