A longitudinal study of sensory and quasi-sensory experiences following bereavement using interpretative phenomenological analysis

Abstract

This longitudinal qualitative study describes the lived experience of ‘sensory and quasi-sensory experiences of the deceased’ following bereavement. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with four bereaved individuals at 6–12 months, 12–18 months, and 18–24 months post-bereavement. Following transcription, interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) of each account allowed for a description and interpretation of recursive and processual change, over time. The findings report four themes: ‘the deceased as present, nearby, or somehow accessible’, ‘resolution, relocation and configuration’, ‘maneuvering closeness and comfort’, and ‘transforming, unfolding and enacting narrative futures’. The findings show that sensory and quasi-sensory experiences involving the deceased foster continuing bonds and are meaningful. The study outcomes bring novel insights into how such experiences unfold and affect bereavement.