Correlates of Sensing the Presence of a Deceased Spouse

Abstract

Although sensing the presence of a deceased spouse has been a reported phenomenon accompanying bereavement, the question remains as to what factors discriminate those widows who experience the phenomenon from those who do not. The purpose of this study was to explore the social, psychological, and behavioral characteristics correlated with the sensing phenomenon, and to provide a means for predicting the likelihood of such an occurrence. The sample consisted of 294 Arizona widows. Participants responded to a questionnaire concerning health, financial matters, social support networks, depression, drinking behavior, psychosocial problems, and social activities. Respondents were grouped according to whether or not they reported having had a sensing experience. A discriminant analysis was utilized to differentiate between the groups. Findings indicated that fourteen variables formed a function capable of 67.31 percent accurate prediction. An additional analysis, utilizing the five most powerful variables, resulted in a function capable of 66.49 percent accurate prediction.