A Model of Transcorporeal Communication: Communication Toward/With/to the Deceased

Abstract

Research indicates that people maintain a connection with deceased loved ones, which can be healthy for the bereaved individuals. To maintain these bonds, people readily admit to communicating with the deceased. Although communication with the deceased shares similarities with traditional models of interpersonal communication, it is distinctly different. Interviews with 20 individuals revealed support for a model of transcorporeal communication, communication to people who do not maintain a physical presence. This communication includes the components of sender, inner representation of the deceased as receiver, message, feedback based on what the sender believes the deceased would say, and a metaphysical element. Implications of transcorporeal communication for griefwork are also discussed.

Keywords

transcorporeal communication grief communication model deceased continuing bonds

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