Science Explores “Sense of Presence” in Grief Experiences

As the festive season approaches, many individuals find themselves grappling with feelings of grief for loved ones who are no longer present. This emotional landscape can give rise to what scientists term “sense of presence” experiences, where individuals believe they sense the deceased nearby. These moments can manifest in various ways, such as a familiar scent, a fleeting shadow, or even the sensation of a comforting touch.

Research indicates that these experiences are more common than many might think. According to studies cited in a review published in 2020, between 47 percent and 82 percent of bereaved individuals report experiencing such phenomena. Understanding the underlying causes of these feelings may offer insight into how people adapt to loss.

In my PhD research, I interviewed 26 bereaved individuals from diverse backgrounds across New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the United States. The experiences shared by participants revealed a consistent theme: the sense of presence was most closely linked to the emotional bond shared with the deceased, rather than to religious beliefs or cultural practices. For many, these experiences surfaced during moments of emotional vulnerability or in locations associated with the departed loved one.

The pioneering work of psychiatrist William Dewi Rees in 1971 laid the foundation for understanding these experiences. His study found that nearly 40 percent of 293 widowed individuals in Wales reported sensing their deceased spouse. Rees argued that such experiences were common and often comforting, yet for years, the psychiatric community struggled to accept the concept of life after death. Many viewed the sense of presence as either a hallucination or a spiritual occurrence, sidelining more everyday psychological interpretations.

A significant shift in perspective emerged in the 1990s with the introduction of the Continuing Bonds Theory, articulated in the influential work “Continuing Bonds: New Understandings of Grief” by Dennis Klass, Phyllis Silverman, and Steven Nickman. This theory posits that a sense of presence is not pathological but rather a reflection of the ongoing emotional connection between the bereaved and the deceased.

My research aims to delve deeper into the neurological mechanisms that may underpin these experiences. Early in my studies, I sought to distinguish between grief-related sensations and those arising from neurological conditions. I propose that the brain maintains a “person network” that encompasses memory, emotion, and social perception, creating a rich tapestry of associations tied to significant individuals.

Upon the death of a close person, the brain does not immediately update this network. Instead, it undergoes a gradual process of adjustment to maintain the connection in a new, non-physical form. The absence of a loved one at this year’s Christmas gathering is a poignant reminder of their loss, yet the brain continues to nurture the bond, albeit in a different manner.

In this light, a sense of presence can be interpreted as a brief manifestation of an internal representation—a moment when the brain’s stored model of the deceased influences perception. This understanding helps clarify why these experiences differ from neurological phenomena, such as autoscopic hallucinations, which can feel disorienting or unsettling. In contrast, those grieving recognize the presence as belonging to their loved one, underscoring the significance of attachment and memory.

To further explore these concepts, I am conducting an electroencephalogram (EEG) study to measure brain activity related to different social relationships. Preliminary findings suggest that each connection activates its own unique person network. Gaining insights into these patterns may illuminate why some individuals continue to experience the presence of those who have passed away and how the brain sustains these meaningful relationships.

The sense of presence phenomenon illustrates how individuals carry forward essential emotional connections, even after death. By discussing and examining these experiences more openly, we can foster a greater understanding of a common aspect of the grieving process, particularly during a time of year that emphasizes the importance of connection.