The purpose of this qualitative study is to describe the nature and significance of the after-death communication experience (ADC). The research asks what is it like to have an experience of communication with a deceased loved one, what is the essential nature of the experience, and what are the effects and meanings of the experience within the lives of the participants? This study explores the lived experiences of eighteen participants, sixteen women and two men, who report a variety of ADCs over the years following their bereavement. The ADCs are explored within the context of the participants’ lives so as to show how these extraordinary experiences can be understood as happening to real people within their own history rather than as isolated events. The first part of the thesis gives biographical descriptions of the participants’ lives following their ADCs. The second part of the thesis analyses the essential nature and qualities of the ADC experience and gives a robust description of the nature of the phenomenon. Phenomenological analysis of the data occurs in overlapping steps consisting of the individual descriptions, reduction techniques and emergence of seven themes describing the essence of the experiences for these participants. The themes show the experiences are unexpected and startling and intrude into ordinary experience. Familiar characteristics authenticate the presence of the deceased. Information, care, love and ongoing relationship are conveyed. The participants grapple with the experiences over time. They find they are deeply imprinted and powerful, and produce immediate and long-term effects. Heightened awareness that transcends ordinary experience gives the bereaved a ‘knowing’ of the ongoing life of their loved one. Expanded consciousness and reflection lead to seeing reality as larger and more complex and includes an unseen world where their loved one is continuing to live in another form. The themes are illustrated using the participants’ descriptions of their ADCs. Last of all a description of the phenomenon is compiled using an intuitive reflective process. Powerful and transforming after-effects demonstrate that the ADCs contribute to managing grief in the major losses of the participants’ lives, to the allaying of fears of death, to belief in an after-life and to belief in the interconnectedness and continuity of relationships across the boundary of death. There are major changes in sense of self, life and living, purpose and meaning, spiritual and religious understanding, and psychic sensitivity. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

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In this study, after-death communication (ADC) is defined as spontaneously occurring encounters with the deceased. Reported occurrences of ADC phenomena range widely among published ADC research studies, so a systematic review of 35 studies was conducted. A rubric was developed to evaluate the methodological quality; final inter-rater reliability among three raters was r = .90. Results were used to rank the studies; the methodologically strongest studies were used to arrive at best estimate answers to four research questions/subquestions: (1) How common are experiences of ADC? How does occurrence vary by gender, age, marital status, ethnicity, religious practice, religious affiliation, financial status, physical health, educational level, and grief status? (2) To what extent do ADCrs report ADC experiences to be beneficial and/or detrimental? What are the leading benefits and/or detriments? (3) What is the incidence of research studies in which the researchers mentioned that the research participants appeared mentally healthy? (4) What is the incidence of sensory modalities—for example, visual, auditory, and kinesthetic—in which ADCs occur? Best estimate results were compiled into a one-page fact sheet that counselors and others can use to educate people who seek empirically-based information about ADC.

This descriptive, exploratory study framed within Parse’s theory of humanbecoming, addressed the research question: What is the meaning of persons’ experiences of keeping in touch with their loved ones who have died. Seven persons described their experiences of keeping in touch with their loved ones who had died. Study themes in the language of the participants were treasured events and signs give rise to lasting comfort while constant yet changing bonds come with turmoil and tranquility amid unfolding strength and confidence. Interpreted in the language of the researcher, study findings were written as cherished ciphers and occurrences engender solace as enduring-shifting ties abide with ease unease amid fortifying expansion. Study themes were linked primarily with theoretical concepts of valuing imaging, connecting-separating, and transforming. Findings were discussed in light of relevant literature, and possibilities for nursing practice, education, policy, and further research were offered.