Summary
According to new research, around 30-34% of individuals have at least one perceived interaction with deceased individuals (After-Death Communications or ADCs). The study, conducted by the University of Virginia and published in the OMEGA—Journal of Death and Dying, investigates the effect of these encounters on bereaved partners.
Key Findings
- 30-34% of people may experience at least one ADC in their lifetime.
- The study found that 42.9% of the surveyed individuals felt the ADCs significantly influenced their grieving process.
- Additionally, 47% of participants believed that ADCs aided them in accepting their loss.
Gist of the Research
The research was conducted via an online survey participated by 70 individuals who had reported to have had ADCs with their deceased partners. Among the respondents, 40% stated that their ADC experiences facilitated their recovery process. 42.9% affirmed that the experiences played a major part in their grieving process. A significant 61% expressed a hope for continued contact, asserting that these experiences did not intensify their grief. Concerning grief-related sadness, responses were varied with 41% reporting no change due to the ADCs, while 40% felt less sadness. Importantly, 47% of the respondents stated that ADCs helped in the acceptance of their loss.
The data suggests that, despite the varying effects on sadness and recovery, ADCs could potentially play a therapeutic role in the process of grief and healing. The researchers emphasized that this study underpins the possible positive influence of ADCs on bereaved individuals, and called for a more comprehensive understanding of this phenomena in the grieving process.
Discussion and Personal Statement
As a psychiatrist, I find these findings intriguing because it challenges the widely held notion that interactions with the deceased could have negative psychological repercussions. Instead, the study suggests that such experiences may in fact, be therapeutic for some. Further research is definitely warranted in this area to explore its potential implications for grief counselling and therapy.
About the Research
The study was conducted by Jennifer K. Penberthy at the University of Virginia. The original research is accessible via Omega – Journal of Death and Dying.
Dr David Andrew Johnson, MD, Cure of Mind