Empirically Researching Gerotranscendence in Nursing Home Residents: A Literature Review of Data Collecting Methodology in a Hard to Study Population

Gerotranscendence is a late-life development theory in gerontology about ageing well. This empowering life perspective is supposed to be particularly beneficial for nursing home residents, whose fragile health requires round-the-clock care. However, several complicating methodological factors influencing data quality were identified in our previous empirical study in this frail population. This current methodological literature review aims to provide an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of methods used in interaction with this target group in gerotranscendence research and related concepts. It also aims to provide insight into how to develop tailored methodology for this diverse and hard to study population.

Complicating factors are among others co-morbidity of health problems, cognitive decline and dementia, hearing loss and other sensory impairments, diminished energy levels and reduced mobility. Methodologically, this influences cognitive and communicative processes, interactive aspects, verbal and non-verbal behaviour, and the interview setting such as proximity to the respondent. This leads to the following research question: What kind of complicating factors have been identified and subsequently addressed in the methodology for data collection in the study of this target group and what are the underlying mechanisms that affect data quality?

The method used is a systematic search of multidisciplinary literature in empirical, quantitative, and qualitative studies with nursing home residents. Topics include gerotranscendence and related themes such as meaning in life, wisdom and positive ageing, in relation to life events, socio-psychological and spiritual development and (dis)abilities. A specific focus is on data collection regarding retrospective accounts of life history, introspective reflections on life perspectives, spiritual beliefs, and explorations of hopes, fears and expectations for the future in the context of loss, death and dying.