Enhancing Spiritual and Emotional Well-Being of United States Navy Sailors Through the Virtue of Transcendence

Abstract

This thesis investigates current practices, policies, and gaps in promoting transcendence within the U.S. military, with a focus on enhancing the spiritual and emotional well-being of Navy Sailors. Transcendence, involving a connection to a higher purpose, holds potential for individuals to find meaning in life. Five character strengths associated with transcendence—gratitude, hope, appreciation of beauty, humor, and spirituality—play a significant role in facilitating well-being. The study employs a literature review and analysis of military policies and programs to assess the state of spiritual fitness initiatives. The findings inform evidence-based recommendations for improving spiritual fitness and well-being in the Navy. The research contributes to enhancing the quality of life for service members and offers insights for promoting well-being in other high-performance work environments. Limitations include a U.S. military focus and potential biases in self-reported data. Overall, this research provides a comprehensive examination of transcendence and spiritual fitness in the military, identifying gaps and offering recommendations for further improvement.