DEATH BED VISION RESEARCH - Background

SPECIFIC RESEARCH STUDIES:

It appears from existing anecdotal evidence dating back to the nineteenth century that deathbed phenomena (DBP) are common, and have been reported throughout history and throughout different cultures. These phenomena seem to comfort the dying person and prepare them spiritually for death, or the 'crossing over' to a new reality.

They include visions of someone (often a close relative) who appears to come to help the dying person through the process of death; deathbed 'coincidences' in which the dying person seems to say goodbye to someone close to them, who becomes aware of their presence at the moment of their death. Other reported phenomena include the presence of light full of love and compassion surrounding the dying person There are also reports that at the time of death 'something ' (often interpreted as the spirit or soul) appears to leave the dying person's body.

Anecdotal evidence also suggests that the boundary between the living and the dead is not clear-cut and that there is a need for further scientific evidence to gain a better understanding of how we die and of deathbed phenomena. The influence of DBP on the long-term spiritual, mental and physical health of the carers has not been studied, though there is anecdotal evidence that these experiences are comforting, life-enhancing and spiritually enlightening.