Abstract
BackgroundPeople who have suffered the loss of a loved one may subsequently report sensory experiences of the deceased (termed ‘after-death communications’, or ADCs). Such encounters are common and can be a source of comfort to the bereaved. Nevertheless, there has been limited empirical investigation of this phenomenon, and consequently mental health professionals feel ill-equipped to support those who disclose them.AimsTo map the phenomenology of ADCs, and identify covariates and effects upon the recipient.MethodWe conducted an online mixed-methods survey comprising 194 items about all aspects of ADCs. A purposive sample of 1004 respondents across three language groups (English, French and Spanish) completed the survey.ResultsThe most common form of ADC was during sleep, but large numbers of cases involved sensory modalities of touch, sight, hearing, smell and sense of presence that externalised the phenomenon for the recipient. Variations in incidence with participant gender and language group suggest a psychosocial component. ADCs were typically regarded by the participant as deeply meaningful and comforting. Respondents reported significant increases in their sense of spirituality, but not religiosity.ConclusionsADCs are a common feature of bereavement that occur unexpectedly, and are independent of any underlying pathology or psychological need. For the person experiencing the hallucination, they are important and meaningful events that they interpret in terms of continuing bonds with the deceased. This adaptive outcome may be stymied where mental health professionals trivialise or pathologise disclosures about ADCs.
Highlights
MethodsWe conducted an online mixed-methods survey comprising 194 items about all aspects of after-death communications’ (ADCs)
People who have suffered the loss of a loved one may subsequently report sensory experiences of the deceased
The most common form of after-death communications’ (ADCs) was during sleep, but large numbers of cases involved sensory modalities of touch, sight, hearing, smell and sense of presence that externalised the phenomenon for the recipient
Summary
We conducted an online mixed-methods survey comprising 194 items about all aspects of ADCs. An extensive 194-item questionnaire was constructed, the main foci of which included an initial description in the respondent’s own words of the ADC, to ensure their account was not biased by the specific questions we subsequently asked. This item generated over 150 000 words in response, and qualitative analysis of these data is reported elsewhere.[35] Subsequently, respondents answered specific questions about the circumstances of occurrence, features of the experience as they related to each modality separately (including during sleep), the subject of the experience and details of their passing, impact on personal beliefs and implications for the grieving process. Versions of the survey were produced in three languages (English, French and Spanish), with content reviewed by native speakers
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