Good Grief! After-Death Communication, Grief, and Gratitude

This study sought to clarify the role of after-death communication in resilience in grief. The primary research question guiding this study was: In what way do experiences of after-death communication inform the cultivation of gratitude and compassion as part of the grieving process? For Study 1, measures of grief, continuing bonds, compassion, and gratitude were administered to a diverse demographic pool (N = 329). Bivariate correlational analysis revealed strong correlations among the total scores of the four surveys. Of the 329 participants, 67.2% (n = 221) identified as having experienced after-death communication in some form, while 32.8% (n = 108) claimed that they did not. A series of one-way ANOVAs revealed that those identifying as having after-death communication and a spiritual practice showed significantly higher scores on all measures. Study 2 was a grounded theory study that conducted interviews with people claiming a significant after-death communication experience (N = 44). Results supported the survey data, suggesting that after-death communication was a catalyst and facilitator of grief that enhanced spirituality, shifted or enhanced belief structures, and reduced death anxiety. Conclusions support the recognition of after-death communication as a possible vehicle for enhanced grief resilience and spirituality.