Investigation of transcendence experiences during the aging process through autobiographical narratives: Tazelenme University "Transcending the Aging Workshop" example

Objective: In this study, it is aimed to examine the 60+ Tazelenme University students transcendence experiences through Theory of Gerotranscendence, and find an answer to the question of "how are gerotranscendence experiences in the aging process expressed through autobiographical narratives?". Thus, it will contribute to learning existential and spiritual processes during the aging process through primary experiences through narratives. Method: With the convenience sampling technique, 24 participants among 60+ Tazelenme University students were reached. Data were collected through workshop technique, through 5-week workshops by preparing Guided Autobiography themes specific to gerotranscendence theory. The weekly autobiographies of the participants were analyzed by the Biographical Case Reconstruction Method with the MAXQDA 2024 Analysis program. Results: It was found that turning points, earthquakes, the political atmosphere of the period, and enrolling in Tazelenme University are catalysts for the emergence of various gerotranscendence sub-dimensions. In addition, it was observed that some participants' experiences regarding the gerotranscendence sub-dimensions, occurred in the opposite direction. Participants' general opinions about the Gerotranscendence-themed Guided Autobiography were positive, that some participants were encouraged to write and publish their life stories, and that it also contributed to reviewing life and achieving a positive results regarding self. Conclusion: In this study, which examines spiritual aging with a focus on gerotranscendence and autobiographical narratives, it has been observed that the development towards gerotranscendence is continuous and specific to culture and time. Studies in which the Gerotranscendence-themed Guided Autobiography Workshop can be used as free time, education or intervention material in the future will contribute to this field in the future. Keywords: gerotranscendence, guided autobiography, narrative gerontology, biographical aging, reminiscence