Prevalence and Phenomenological Characteristics of Deathbed Visions in Iranian Adults and Narrators: A Cross-Sectional Quantitative Study

Abstract

Deathbed visions (DBVs) are anomalous experiences reported near the end of life. This study aimed to examine the phenomenology of DBVs and their psychological and behavioral effects on experiencers and narrators within an Iranian and Islamic cultural context. A descriptive-analytical, quantitative design was employed. Forty-five narrators who had cared for dying individuals completed a researcher-developed questionnaire assessing demographic information, DBV characteristics, and psychological indicators. Non-parametric tests were used to explore the relationships between variables. The narrators were predominantly young women, while the experiencers were mostly older men with lower educational attainment. DBVs were primarily visual, occurred during wakefulness, and became more frequent as death approached. About 56% of the DBVs were associated with positive emotional effects, whereas 25% induced feelings of anger. The psychological impact on narrators ranged from mild to moderate, primarily affecting mood. Notably, repetitive DBVs were significantly associated with greater psychological impact (p = .007). Demographic variables did not significantly influence the severity of psychological effects. DBVs are multifaceted experiences with diverse emotional consequences, shaped by both individual and cultural factors. Caregivers exposed to repeated DBVs may benefit from psychological support. Further cross-cultural and longitudinal research is recommended to expand generalizability and inform therapeutic approaches.