Perceptual phenomena associated with spontaneous experiences of after-death communication: Analysis of visual, tactile, auditory and olfactory sensations

Woollacott, Marjorie H.; Roe, Chris A; Cooper, Callum E; Lorimer, David; Elsaesser, Evelyn

doi:10.1016/j.explore.2021.02.006

Cited by 14 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 21 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Quantitative research findings of the complete data set have been summarized and are in submission for publication. Qualitative analyses on specific themes have been or will be published individually (Woollacott et al, 2021). In this current manuscript, we report the impact of specific variables on changes in beliefs and spirituality in those reporting ADCs and explore moderating factors on such changes.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Factors Moderating the Impact of After Death Communications on Beliefs and Spirituality

et al. 2021

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

After death communications(ADCs) are defined as perceived spontaneous contacts with living individuals by the deceased. This research presents on a subset of data from a recent large international survey of individuals who experienced ADCs and provided systematic information regarding these experiences. In our research we explore the impact of having an ADC on reported spirituality, religiosity, beliefs and attitudes about death and dying and also explore the moderating factors of this impact. We found that having an ADC was perceived as a positive life experience and that it was associated with a reduction in fear of death, belief in life after death and that the deceased could communicate with the living, and increased reported spirituality. Moderating factors include aspects of having or desiring physical contact with the deceased as well as perceiving some emotional reaction to the ADCs. Future directions for research exploration are also provided based on our findings.

show abstract

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Factors Moderating the Impact of After Death Communications on Beliefs and Spirituality

et al. 2021

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…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. The questionnaire comprised closed questions with fixed response options (e.g.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The phenomenology and impact of hallucinations concerning the deceased

Elsaesser¹,

Roe

Cooper

et al. 2021

BJPsych open

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background People 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. Aims To map the phenomenology of ADCs, and identify covariates and effects upon the recipient. Method We 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. Results The 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. Conclusions ADCs 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.

show abstract

“…People also interpret a wide array of events as after-death communications (ADCs; Guggenheim & Guggenheim, 1995). Some are dramatic: People might report seeing or hearing a deceased person, or they might have a dream so vivid that they believe the deceased person was actually present (Kamp et al, 2020;Woollacott et al, 2021). People may also interpret many types of natural events as indirect messages from a departed person, like animal encounters, electrical activity, or weather events such as storms or rainbows (Arcangel, 2005;LaGrand, 2005).…”

Section: Attributions: Interpreting Events As Messages From the Divin...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Human interaction with the divine, the sacred, and the deceased: topics that warrant increased attention by psychologists

et al. 2023

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Humans have likely been attempting to communicate with entities believed to exist, such as the divine, sacred beings, and deceased people, since the dawn of time. Across cultures and countries, many believe that interaction with the immaterial world is not only possible but a frequent experience. Most religious traditions across the globe focus many rituals and activities around prayer to an entity deemed divine or sacred. Additionally, many people–religious, agnostic, and atheists alike–report communication with their departed loved ones. During highly stressful times associated with natural disasters, war, pandemics, and other threats to human life, the frequency and intensity of these activities and associated experiences substantially increase. Although this very human phenomenon seems to be universal, the empirical literature on the topic within psychology is thin. This paper discussed the topic and reviews what we know from the professional literature about how people perceive communication with these unseen entities. It highlights the perceptual and social cognition evidence and discussed the role of attribution theory, which might help us understand the beliefs, motivations, and practices of those engaged with communication with the unseen. Empirical laboratory research with mediums is discussed as well, examining the evidence for communication with the deceased. Final reflections and suggestions for future research are also offered.

show abstract

Perceptual phenomena associated with spontaneous experiences of after-death communication: Analysis of visual, tactile, auditory and olfactory sensations

Cited by 14 publications

References 21 publications

Factors Moderating the Impact of After Death Communications on Beliefs and Spirituality

Factors Moderating the Impact of After Death Communications on Beliefs and Spirituality

The phenomenology and impact of hallucinations concerning the deceased

Human interaction with the divine, the sacred, and the deceased: topics that warrant increased attention by psychologists

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About