Bereavement visions are one of the studied forms of after-death related anomalous experiences in parapsychology. Researchers examine them as possible perceptual experiences of the deceased occurring after death, usually reported by grieving individuals.
1. What Bereavement Visions Are
In parapsychology, bereavement visions are experiences in which a grieving person perceives the deceased as present. These perceptions can include:
- Visual apparitions (seeing the deceased person)
- Auditory experiences (hearing their voice)
- Tactile sensations (feeling a touch or embrace)
- Sense of presence
- Dream encounters with vivid realism
These are often grouped under After‑Death Communications (ADCs).
Typical characteristics reported in research:
- Occur spontaneously
- Usually happen within the first year after death
- Are often comforting rather than frightening
- Individuals usually remain psychologically stable
2. Classic Parapsychology Research
One of the earliest major investigations came from the Society for Psychical Research (SPR).
Findings:
- Thousands of reports of apparitions and crisis experiences were collected.
- Some reports occurred close to the time of death of the person seen.
- Researchers proposed the possibility of telepathic hallucinations.
3. Modern Bereavement Vision Research
Modern parapsychology approaches the phenomenon more systematically.
Many have Researched
Some of the research has documented thousands of cases.
Findings:
- ADCs occur across cultures and religions
- Most experiencers report psychological comfort
- Many experiences involve clear sensory perception
4. Bereavement Vision Research in Psychology
Psychological researchers also studied these experiences without assuming a paranormal explanation.
A study was conducted that:
Some studied widows and widowers and found:
- Some reported sensing or seeing the deceased spouse
- Most participants did not consider themselves mentally ill
This suggested bereavement visions are relatively common in normal grief.
5. How Parapsychology Interprets Bereavement Visions
Parapsychologists generally consider four explanatory models.
1. Survival Model
The experience is interpreted as actual communication from the deceased.
2. Psi or Super-Psi Model
Related to the Super-Psi Theory:
- The living person unconsciously gathers information via telepathy or clairvoyance
- The mind constructs the experience.
3. Psychological Model
The experience arises from grief-related cognitive and emotional processes.
4. Hybrid Model
Some researchers think multiple mechanisms may operate simultaneously.
6. Typical Characteristics of Bereavement Visions
Parapsychological case collections consistently report:
- Occur during quiet states or transitions (sleep/waking)
- The apparition often appears healthy and peaceful
- Messages are usually brief and reassuring
- The experience ends abruptly
These features differentiate them from clinical hallucinations associated with psychiatric disorders.
7. Why Bereavement Visions Interest Parapsychologists
They are important because they potentially relate to the survival of consciousness hypothesis.
Researchers view them as valuable because they:
- occur spontaneously
- often involve ordinary individuals
- can sometimes contain veridical information
In summary:
Bereavement visions are reported experiences in which the bereaved perceive the deceased. Parapsychology studies them as possible after-death communications, psi phenomena, or grief-related experiences, while psychology often interprets them as normal features of the grieving process.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 