Self-Transcendence quantifies the extent to which individuals conceive themselves as integral parts of the universe as a whole. The trait is related to emotional stability. Low Self-Transcendence: self-conscious experience, self-isolation, rational materialism, objective, practical. High Self-Transcendence: Self-forgetful, Transpersonal identification, Spiritual acceptance, Enlightened, Idealistic. Experiencing spiritual ideas such as considering oneself an integral part of the universe, acceptance, identification, or spiritual union with nature and its source. Self-transcendent individuals are spiritual, unpretentious, humble, and fulfilled. These traits are adaptively advantageous when people are confronted with suffering, illness, or death, which is inevitable with advancing age.
(Cloninger, 1994)