[The subjective experience of contact with the deceased or necrophany: a widespread and little-known phenomenon]

Rev Infirm. 2024 Apr;73(300):40-42. doi: 10.1016/j.revinf.2024.03.015. Epub 2024 Apr 9.
[Article in French]

Abstract

The subjective experience of contact with the deceased (VSCD), spontaneous and direct, by people most often in mourning, is neither rare nor new. It's even considered a universal and timeless phenomenon. Yet this psychological and sensory manifestation, which can manifest itself through sight, hearing, smell or touch, remains little known to the general public and health professionals alike. This article is an opportunity for many to discover this phenomenon, also known as necrophany.

Keywords: bereaved; deuil; endeuillé; mental health; mourning; necrophany; nécrophanie; santé mentale; subjective experience of contact with the deceased; vécu subjectif de contact avec un défunt.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Attitude to Death
  • Grief*
  • Humans