Continuing Bonds Through After-Death Spiritual Experiences in Individuals Bereaved by Suicide

Abstract

Bereaved persons sometimes report after-death spiritual experiences with loved ones who have died, which may represent continuing bonds, though little research exists regarding this phenomenon among those bereaved by suicide. This study sought to examine the frequency and correlates of these experiences among survivors of suicide loss. A majority of respondents experienced continuing bonds through after-death spiritual experiences, which take the form of dreams or feeling the presence of the person, among others. Generally, these experiences are regarded as positive and are often discussed with others. Implications suggest that these experiences likely represent continuing bonds with the deceased.

Spiritual and Religious Issues in the Aftermath of Suicide

“…As mentioned in previous literature (Krysinska et al 2017;Vandercreek and Mottram 2009;Jahn and Spencer-Thomas 2014), spirituality or religion were important for making sense of suicide. For some survivors, suicide challenged existing beliefs and faith, for others suicide was the starting point of a spiritual or religious quest.…”

“…For survivors whose vision is more abstract and undefined, the deceased becomes a sort of energy which may (or may not) take on another life form in the future. The belief in an afterlife seems to help survivors let go to a certain extent and forge a continuing bond with the deceased on a spiritual or religious level, which is considered helpful for the bereavement process (Jahn and Spencer-Thomas 2014).…”

“…Survivors reported fears of being considered psychologically disturbed. Since these after-death experiences seem to be common for survivors (Jahn and Spencer-Thomas 2014;Vandercreek and Mottram 2009), survivors of suicide are likely to benefit from open communication about them with leaders of religious or spiritual communities and mental-health professionals.…”

“…In several studies, the bereaved by suicide have been identified as seeking spiritual advice and connection with their loved ones (Feigelman et al 2011;Jahn and Spencer-Thomas 2014).…”

“…They frequently reported positive after-death spiritual experiences (dreams, intuition, sensations, and feeling a presence) (Jahn and Spencer-Thomas 2014). Religious or spiritual references were found on 14% of online memorials dedicated to people having died by suicide (Krysinska et al 2014), addressing themes such as suicide as an expression of God's will, relinquishing control to a benevolent God, believing in an everlasting life, wishing peace to the deceased, and expressing hope for a reunion or seeking forgiveness.…”