'Sense of presence' experiences in bereavement and their relationship to mental health: A critical examination of a continuing controversy
A book chapter co-authored with Adrian Coyle. Published in 2012 in C. Murray (Ed.). Mental Health and Anomalous Experience. Hauppauge, NY: Nova Science Publishers, pp. 33-56.
ABSTRACT
The experience of sensing the presence of the deceased is a common occurrence following... more
ABSTRACT
The experience of sensing the presence of the deceased is a common occurrence following bereavement. Although this experience tends to be reported as positive and meaningful by perceivers, for most of the twentieth century it has been described in pathologising terms in the bereavement literature. Recent decades have seen the publication of numerous studies that point to the normality of this experience and its potential benefits for the bereaved perceivers’ wellbeing. However, there is an ongoing debate within bereavement scholarship regarding the nature and healthiness of this experience. This chapter critically examines the extant literature concerning ‘sense of presence’ experiences and draws attention to the diversity of definitions and conceptualisations within which this experience can be interpreted. Research from a variety of perspectives, including attachment theory and the continuing bonds perspective, is discussed and emerging evidence is reported which suggests that those who can make sense of their experience within culturally-sanctioned (spiritual) conceptual frameworks enjoy greater benefits as a result. The discussion then focuses on meaning-making concerns with regard to this phenomenon and concludes with relevant practice recommendations.
Resilience, Spirituality and Posttraumatic Growth: Reshaping the Effects of Climate Change
Authors: Tamasin Ramsay and Lenore Manderson
(Book Abstract)
Although climate change is mainly caused in industrialized nations, the impact of climate... more
(Book Abstract)
Although climate change is mainly caused in industrialized nations, the impact of climate change has spread across the globe, among developing countries and the world’s most vulnerable populations. While the public health effects of environmental degradation and the resulting natural disasters are well-known, less is understood about their mental health impact and psychosocial well-being, and what types of interventions may best minimize the damage.
Climate Change and Human Well-Being identifies the psychological responses and mental health impacts that accompany gradual environmental change and extreme weather events, and explains how climate change exacerbates existing inequities. Painstakingly researched, with extensive worldwide findings and instructive examples from the experiences of those affected by climate-change, this groundbreaking volume also examines the potential for collaboration among diverse sectors of society in responding to environmental crisis. Experts provide guidance for researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and the humanitarian aid community as they:
Explain the relationship between environmental crisis, socioeconomic stressors, and psychological distress .
Discuss the impact of acute and chronic extreme weather conditions on mental health and well-being.
Analyze the short-and long-term effects of climate change on specific populations, and environmental refugees.
Identify implications of climate change for peace, conflict, and stability.
Demonstrate the importance of cultural competence in relief efforts.
Include recommendations at the local, national, and global levels.
Climate Change and Human Well-Being offers cross-cultural psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and professionals in related fields a greater understanding of complex issues, and new opportunities to engage in the emerging dialogue within and across the disciplines.
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Seen by:Can sense of presence experiences in bereavement be conceptualised as spiritual phenomena?
Co-authored with Adrian Coyle. Published in 2010 in Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 13(3), 273-291. Please contact me if you would like a copy of this paper but experience difficulty in locating it.
This paper explores the possibility of conceptualising the frequently occurring experience of “sensing the presence of... more This paper explores the possibility of conceptualising the frequently occurring experience of “sensing the presence of the deceased” in bereavement as a spiritual phenomenon and examines how such a conceptualisation can be related to two recent perspectives in the field of bereavement research, “continuing bonds” and “meaning-making”. It is argued that “sense of presence” experiences are expressions of the continuing relationship with the deceased that can be spiritually understood but that pose various challenges for their meaningful integration into the bereaved person’s worldview or meaning structures – something that may need to be more explicitly incorporated into current theoretical frameworks. It is suggested that these experiences can be the catalyst for “post-traumatic growth” through a socially mediated and interactive narrative exploration and that this has important implications for bereavement counselling and therapy.
Sense of presence experiences and meaning-making in bereavement: A qualitative analysis
by Adrian Coyle
Co-authored with Edith Steffen. Published in 2011 in Death Studies, 35, 579-609. Please contact me if you would like a copy of this paper but experience difficulty in locating it. From June 27 2012, a manuscript version of this paper can be downloaded from http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/25590/
This qualitative study aimed to explore the potential role that might be played by reported experience of ‘sensing the... more This qualitative study aimed to explore the potential role that might be played by reported experience of ‘sensing the presence of the deceased’ in meaning-making processes in bereavement. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve participants who reported having had such an experience and the transcripts were subjected to thematic analysis. Seven overarching themes were identified, three of which were considered central: ‘finding benefit in the continuation of the deceased’, ‘finding benefit in the continued relationship’, and ‘finding meaning through existential, spiritual, and religious sense-making’. While participants found many benefits in what they experienced, finding meaning beyond immediate coping seemed to require the availability of spiritual/religious frameworks which could be adopted or, if available but discrepant, could meaningfully accommodate the experience.
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