Summary: Interactions with the deceased, or ADCs, are reported by 30-34% of individuals. A recent study explored the effects of ADCs on those grieving a partner.
The findings reveal that a majority found ADCs therapeutic, with 47% saying it eased acceptance of their loss. The study emphasizes the potential positive role of ADCs in the bereavement process.
Key Facts:
- 30-34% of people may experience at least one ADC in their life.
- 42.9% of surveyed individuals mentioned ADCs significantly influenced their grieving process.
- 47% of respondents felt ADCs aided in accepting their loss.
Source: University of Virginia
A new study published in OMEGA—Journal of Death and Dying investigates perceived interactions with the deceased (ADCs), “a phenomenon reported across societies, with 30–34% of individuals likely experiencing at least one ADC in their lifetime,” according to the research.
Despite this prevalence, studies examining the impact of ADCs’ on those who have lost partners are limited. The researchers surveyed 70 individuals reporting partner ADCs via an online survey.
Of the respondents, 40% said their experiences accelerated their recovery, and 42.9% confirmed that the experiences significantly influenced their grieving process.
In total, 61% of the respondents said they hoped for continued contact; the experiences did not make their pain worse. Regarding grief-related sadness, 41% reported no change due to the ADCs, while 40% expressed less sadness. Forty-seven percent said that ADCs eased acceptance of their loss.
The data suggests that ADCs may play a therapeutic role in grief and healing, despite differing effects on sadness and recovery.
The researchers write, “This study underscores the ADCs’ possible positive influence on bereaved partners, advocating for a deeper understanding of this phenomenon in the grieving process.”
About this psychology and grief research news
Author: Jennifer K. Penberthy
Source: University of Virginia
Contact: Jennifer K. Penberthy – University of Virginia
Original Research: Closed access.
“Description and Impact of Encounters With Deceased Partners or Spouses” by Jennifer K. Penberthy et al. Omega – Journal of Death and Dying
Abstract
Description and Impact of Encounters With Deceased Partners or Spouses
This study investigates perceived interactions with the deceased, a phenomenon reported across societies, with 30-34% of individuals likely experiencing at least one ADC in their lifetime.
Despite this prevalence, studies examining the impact of ADCs’ on those who have lost partners are limited. We present data from 70 individuals reporting partner ADCs via an online survey.
Forty percent reported accelerated recovery and 42.9% confirm the ADCs’ significant influence in their grieving, with 61% expressing a desire for continued contact. ADCs, interestingly, didn’t worsen their pain. The influence on grief-related sadness varied: 41% noted no change, while 40% reported reduced sadness.
Forty-seven percent acknowledged ADCs eased their loss acceptance. The data highlight ADCs’ substantial, potentially therapeutic role in grief and healing, despite varying effects on sadness and recovery.
This study underscores the ADCs’ possible positive influence on bereaved partners, advocating for a deeper understanding of this phenomenon in the grieving process.
