Sensing the Departed: Understanding “Sense of Presence” Phenomenon

As the holiday season approaches, the emotional toll of grief can become more pronounced. Many individuals report experiencing moments where they feel a connection with loved ones who have passed away. This phenomenon, known scientifically as “sense of presence,” encompasses a range of sensations, from familiar scents to comforting touches. Research indicates that these experiences are surprisingly common among the bereaved.

Between 47 percent and 82 percent of bereaved individuals have reported sensing the presence of deceased loved ones, according to studies referenced in a 2020 review. Common accounts include feeling an arm around the shoulder, detecting a familiar aroma, or even witnessing a fleeting image of the departed. These experiences often emerge during moments of emotional vulnerability or in places that hold significance to the deceased.

Exploring the Emotional Connection

The sense of presence is closely linked to the emotional bond shared with the deceased rather than spiritual beliefs or cultural practices. In interviews conducted for my PhD research with 26 bereaved individuals across New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the United States, a consistent theme emerged: the ongoing relationship with the departed remains vivid. Many participants reported that these experiences provided comfort during difficult times.

Historical research by psychiatrist William Dewi Rees in 1971 found that nearly 40 percent of widowed individuals in Wales experienced a sense of presence after their spouse’s death. Rees’s pioneering work challenged the prevailing notion that such experiences were mere hallucinations or signs of mental instability. Instead, he proposed that they could offer solace to those navigating grief.

Despite this, many mental health professionals have historically viewed these experiences through a lens of skepticism, often dismissing them as either pathological or inherently spiritual. This limited perspective left little room for understanding the psychological processes that underlie these common experiences of loss.

Advancements in Understanding Grief

A turning point in the field emerged with the introduction of the Continuing Bonds Theory in the 1990s, following the publication of “Continuing Bonds: New Understandings of Grief” by researchers Dennis Klass, Phyllis Silverman, and Steven Nickman. This theory posits that a sense of presence is a natural expression of the continuing emotional connection between the bereaved and the deceased, rather than a pathological response.

My ongoing research aims to uncover the brain mechanisms that may contribute to these experiences. Early in my studies, I focused on differentiating the sense of presence from similar phenomena associated with neurological conditions or religious contexts. I propose that the brain maintains a “person network” that encompasses memories, emotions, and social perceptions tied to significant individuals in our lives.

When someone close passes away, the brain does not immediately adjust this network. Instead, it undergoes a gradual process of adaptation, allowing individuals to maintain an ongoing connection with the deceased. This adjustment is not a denial of death; rather, it reflects a journey of re-learning how to engage with a relationship that has shifted from the physical to an emotional or spiritual realm.

The sense of presence can thus be viewed as a momentary manifestation of this internal representation, allowing the individual to feel the influence of the deceased in their perception. This understanding distinguishes grief-related experiences from neurological events such as autoscopic hallucinations, where individuals perceive themselves from an external viewpoint. In contrast, grief-related presences are typically recognized as belonging to the loved one who has passed away, highlighting the importance of attachment, memory, and meaning.

To further explore these concepts, I am conducting an electroencephalogram (EEG) study to measure brain activity in response to different individuals within a person’s social network. Preliminary findings suggest that each relationship activates a unique person network. This research may provide insight into why some individuals continue to feel the presence of those they have lost and how the brain nurtures these vital connections.

Understanding the sense of presence can illuminate how we carry forward meaningful relationships, even after physical separation. By openly discussing these experiences and acknowledging their role in the grieving process, we may enhance our comprehension of a common aspect of loss, particularly during a season that emphasizes connection and remembrance.