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Marschall TM, Brederoo SG, Koops S, Ćurčić-Blake B, Sommer IEC. Content-based clustering of hallucinations across sensory modalities in a large online survey. Sci Rep 2024; 14:23108. [PMID: 39367045 PMCID: PMC11452635 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69798-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Hallucinations can have rather heterogeneous aetiology and presentation. This inspired the concept of different subtypes based on symptom profiles, especially in the field of auditory hallucinations. As many people experience hallucinations in more than one sensory modality, it seems important to investigate potential hallucination subtypes across different sensory modalities. We assessed the content of hallucinations as part of a large survey among the general Dutch population (n = 10,448) using the Questionnaire for Psychotic Experiences. Based on their descriptions, thematic categories were created in a data-driven cluster analysis. 2594 participants who experienced hallucinations over the past week that contained at least 2 different thematic categories were selected. Clustering of their hallucination content was performed with the HDBSCAN method. We identified 4 clusters, i.e., subtypes, which can be typified as 1. hallucinations of foul odors, 2. complex visual scenes, 3. a vast variety of rather common hallucinations possibly related to heightened alertness, and 4. possibly bereavement hallucinations. The bereavement subtype showed an increase in emotional loneliness and the presence of delusions. Our findings suggest that the content of hallucinations can be informative, especially when investigated across sensory modalities. Such subtypes may help to better understand their underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa M Marschall
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 2, 9713 AW, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Sanne G Brederoo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 2, 9713 AW, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne Koops
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 2, 9713 AW, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Branislava Ćurčić-Blake
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 2, 9713 AW, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Iris E C Sommer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 2, 9713 AW, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Maraldi EO, Taves A, Moll J, Hartle L, Moreira-de-Oliveira ME, Bortolini T, Fischer R. Nonordinary Experiences, Well-being and Mental Health: A Systematic Review of the Evidence and Recommendations for Future Research. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2024; 63:410-444. [PMID: 37507577 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01875-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Throughout history, people have reported nonordinary experiences (NOEs) such as feelings of oneness with the universe and hearing voices. Although these experiences form the basis of several spiritual and religious traditions, experiencing NOEs may create stress and uncertainty among those who experience such events. To provide a more systematic overview of the research linking NOEs with mental health, we present a systematic review of studies focusing on NOEs, well-being and mental health indicators. In a search of ProQuest and PsycInfo, we identified 725 references, of which 157 reported empirical data and were included in our review. Overall, the studies reviewed suggest that the relationship between NOEs and mental health is complex, varying according to a series of psychological and social factors. In particular, they suggest that appraisal processes play a fundamental role in the mental health outcomes of these experiences. However, we also highlight important methodological challenges such as the conceptual overlap between NOEs and well-being or psychopathological constructs, the conflation between experiences and appraisal processes in the assessment procedure, and the need for clearer assessment of the duration, controllability, impact on daily functioning and general context of the experiences. We provide a qualitative summary of empirical evidence and main themes of research and make recommendations for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Everton O Maraldi
- Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics Unit, D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rua Diniz Cordeiro, 30, Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, 22281-100, Brazil.
- Department of Religious Studies, Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Ann Taves
- Department of Religious Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Jorge Moll
- Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics Unit, D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rua Diniz Cordeiro, 30, Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, 22281-100, Brazil
| | - Larissa Hartle
- Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics Unit, D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rua Diniz Cordeiro, 30, Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, 22281-100, Brazil
| | - Maria E Moreira-de-Oliveira
- Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics Unit, D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rua Diniz Cordeiro, 30, Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, 22281-100, Brazil
| | - Tiago Bortolini
- Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics Unit, D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rua Diniz Cordeiro, 30, Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, 22281-100, Brazil
| | - Ronald Fischer
- Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics Unit, D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rua Diniz Cordeiro, 30, Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, 22281-100, Brazil
- School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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Vilhauer RP. Very Present and Very Real: A Case Study of Regularly Hearing the Voice of the Deceased Without Distress in Bereavement. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023:302228231195104. [PMID: 37556152 DOI: 10.1177/00302228231195104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Although sensory and quasi-sensory experiences of the deceased (SED) have been the subject of much debate, research on the phenomenology of auditory verbal experiences in the bereaved has been neglected. This case study describes the phenomenology of a regularly occurring voice hearing experience and its meaning for a single bereaved individual. The voice of the deceased can be heard as though in external space, and the experience can feel real, even when the death is fully acknowledged. A bereaved individual can welcome and benefit from the experience even when it is not recognized as a normal part of grieving in the individual's cultural context, when no afterlife belief is present, and when the experience remains unexplained. The case study demonstrates that hearing the voice of the deceased can be a regular occurrence without causing distress or dysfunction and lends support to the idea that SED are a common concomitant of normal bereavement.
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Hewson H, Galbraith N, Jones C, Heath G. The impact of continuing bonds following bereavement: A systematic review. DEATH STUDIES 2023; 48:1001-1014. [PMID: 37336784 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2023.2223593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Following bereavement, continuing bonds (CBs) include engaging with memories, illusions, sensory and quasi-sensory perceptions, hallucinations, communication, actions, and belief that evoke an inner relationship with the deceased. To date, the literature has been unable to confirm whether retaining, rather than relinquishing, bonds is helpful. A mixed studies systematic literature search explored how CBs affect grief. Studies on the effect or experience of CBs on adjustment following bereavement were eligible for inclusion. Six computerized databases were searched. A total of 79 of 319 screened studies were included. Three themes were derived from the thematic analysis: (1) comfort and distress, (2) ongoing bonds and relational identity, and (3) uncertainty, conceptualizing, and spirituality. Themes describe the role of CBs for the accommodation of the death story, transformation of the relationship, meaning reconstruction, identity processes, and affirmation of spiritual belief. Results shed light on the adaptive potentials for CBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Hewson
- School of Psychology, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Niall Galbraith
- School of Psychology, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Claire Jones
- School of Psychology, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Gemma Heath
- School of Psychology, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
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Tressoldi P, Álvarez AA, Facchin N, Frullanti M, Liberale L, Saad M, Shiah YJ, Testoni I. Shared Death Experiences: A Multicultural Survey. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2023; 40:79-86. [PMID: 35469430 DOI: 10.1177/10499091221093270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shared-death-experiences (SDEs) and after-death-communication-experiences (ADCEs) are non-ordinary mental experiences related to the death of a known or unknown person. METHODS These experiences were investigated by surveying four samples with different cultural backgrounds: Italian, Mexican, Brazilian and Taiwanese people. One-hundred-twenty-one participants reported 146 experiences of this type. RESULTS Among the main characteristics of these experiences, visual, visual-auditory and feeling experiences, which comprised 74% of all experiences, were experienced both in the dream state and a normal state of consciousness. Furthermore, most of these experiences were lived before (47.3%) or after (39%) the death of the person in relationship with the participants. More importantly, these experiences influenced the participants' death interpretation favoring the belief that death affects only the body, but the consciousness of the deceased persons survives in another reality and sometimes can communicate with relatives and friends still alive in this reality. No substantial differences were observed among the different subsamples. CONCLUSION As to the origin of SDEs/ADCEs, we discuss that whereas for most of them, in particular those lived after the death of a relative or a friend, we can assume hallucinatory characteristics triggered by emotional needs, for others, for example those related to unknown individuals and/or those experienced before the death of the person still in good health, it is not possible to exclude their anomalous connections and a real encounter with a deceased person.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizio Tressoldi
- Science of Consciousness Research Group, Studium Patavinum, 9308Padova University, Padova, Italy
| | - Alex A Álvarez
- Unidad Parapsicológica de Investigación, Difusión y Enseñanza, City of Mexico, Mexico
| | - Nadir Facchin
- End of Life, FISSPA, 9308Padova University, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Laura Liberale
- End of Life, FISSPA, 9308Padova University, Padova, Italy
| | - Marcelo Saad
- Spiritist Medical Association of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Yung-Jong Shiah
- Graduate Institute of Counseling Psychology and Rehabilitation Counseling, National Kaohsiung Normal University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Ines Testoni
- End of Life, FISSPA, 9308Padova University, Padova, Italy
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Rabeyron T. When the Truth Is Out There: Counseling People Who Report Anomalous Experiences. Front Psychol 2022; 12:693707. [PMID: 35058829 PMCID: PMC8764292 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.693707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we propose a clinical approach to the counseling of distressing subjective paranormal experiences, usually referred to as anomalous or exceptional experiences in the academic field. These experiences are reported by a large part of the population, yet most mental health practitioners have not received a specific training in listening constructively to these experiences. This seems all the more problematic since nearly one person in two find it difficult to integrate such experiences, which can be associated with different forms of psychological suffering. After having described briefly several clinical approaches already developed in this area, we outline the main aspects of clinical practice with people reporting exceptional experiences, in particular the characteristics of the clinician's attitude toward the narrative of unusual events. We then present the core components of a Psychodynamic Psychotherapy focused on Anomalous Experiences (PPAE) based on three main steps: phenomenological exploration, subjective inscription and subjective integration of the anomalous experience. Such an approach, based on a non-judgmental and open listening, favors the transformation of the ontological shock that often follows the anomalous experiences into a potential source of integration and psychological transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Rabeyron
- Department of Psychology, Interpsy, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France.,Department of Psychology, KPU, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
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