Cosmic transcendence and framework of meaning in life: Patterns among older adults in The Netherlands

Objectives. Gerotranscendence has been conceptualized as a potential development accompanying normal aging. Gerotranscendence is defined as a shift in metaperspective from a materialistic and pragmatic world view to a more cosmic and transcendent one. In the past decade, population-based studies have tested Tornstam’s Gerotranscendence Scale. Its Cosmic Transcendence subscale, in particular, emerged as consistent. The aim of the present study was to examine (a) how cosmic transcendence relates to having a framework of meaning in life and (b) whether religiousness and demographic characteristics influence possible relationships. Methods. Participants were 928 older Dutch adults who responded to a questionnaire that included the Cosmic Tran-scendence scale, aspects of religiousness, and the Framework of Meaning in Life subscale of the Life Regard Index. Results. A substantial, positive association between cosmic transcendence and framework of meaning in life was ob-served. This association was much more pronounced among participants who were less involved in religion, who were women, who were age 75 or older, or who were widowed. Discussion. The current study indicates that the personal relevance of cosmic transcendence depends on cultural factors such as secularization. Furthermore, cosmic transcendence seems to unfold as an important domain in the life view of women, the older old, and the widowed. T HE CONCEPT of gerotranscendence introduced byTornstam (1989) is defined as a transition from a materi-alistic and rationalistic perspective to a more cosmic and transcendent view of life that accompanies the process of aging. When researchers discuss contemplation in later life and psychological development in the gerontological literatur