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Impacts on Caregivers of Witnessing Terminal Lucidity in Children

Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Cases of terminal lucidity (TL) in children have recently been documented in contemporary literature, yet no studies have examined the impact on caregivers of witnessing TL in children. Using an online survey, this study assessed the impact of witnessing TL in children on seven caregivers who described a total of 11 cases of TL in children. Findings revealed that witnessing TL in children was considered a spiritual experience that influenced caregivers' belief systems. All caregivers had disclosed what they had witnessed to others, resulting in a mixture of skeptical and accepting reactions. Findings suggest witnessing TL in children may initiate a spiritual transformation that has similar implications for enhancing end-of-life care and creating 'space' for TL to be perceived as a natural part of the dying process in terminally ill children.
DOI: 10.1177/00302228251391552
Authors: Karalee Kothe, Natasha Tassell-Matamua, Marjorie Woollacott, Michael Nahm, Chris Roe, Bruce Greyson, Maryne Mutis, Renaud Evrard
Institutions: University of Colorado Denver, Massey University, University of Oregon, Institute for Frontier Areas of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Northampton, University of Virginia, Université de Lorraine
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,650
Award: G789484857
OpenAlex ID: W4415548873
FWCI: 0.697
Cites: 31
Cited by: 1
Related to: 10