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Related Experiment Videos

Hallucinations of widowhood.

P R Olson, J A Suddeth, P J Peterson

    Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
    |August 1, 1985
    PubMed
    Summary

    Many widowed individuals experience hallucinations of their deceased spouse, often finding these visions helpful. This study highlights the commonality of these grief-related phenomena in the United States.

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    Area of Science:

    • Gerontology
    • Psychology
    • Bereavement Studies

    Background:

    • Widowhood is a significant life event associated with profound grief.
    • Hallucinatory experiences of deceased loved ones are a recognized, though not widely discussed, aspect of bereavement.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the prevalence and nature of hallucinatory experiences among widowed nursing home residents in the United States.
    • To compare findings with previous international research on spousal bereavement hallucinations.

    Main Methods:

    • Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 46 widows and 6 widowers in two nursing homes.
    • Participants were screened for orientation to person, time, and place.

    Main Results:

    • 61% of widows reported experiencing hallucinations of their deceased spouse.
    • 86% of these widows found the experiences to be good or helpful.
    • 54% had never discussed these experiences prior to the study.

    Conclusions:

    • Hallucinatory experiences of deceased spouses are common among widowed older adults in the US.
    • These experiences are often perceived positively and are frequently kept private.
    • Findings align with previous research, suggesting a universal aspect of spousal bereavement.

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