Impacts on Caregivers of Witnessing Terminal Lucidity in Children

Kothe, K., Tassell-Matamua, N., Woollacott, M., Nahm, M., Roe, C., Greyson, B., Mutis, M. and Evrard, R. (2025) Impacts on Caregivers of Witnessing Terminal Lucidity in Children. Omega: Journal of Death and Dying. , pp. 1-19. 0030-2228.

Texts
Information

[A][B][+][-]

21044:62750

[A][B][+][-]

21044:62750

[thumbnail of Kothe_et_al_2025_Impacts_on_Caregivers_of_Witnessing_Terminal_Lucidity_in_Children]

Kothe_et_al_2025_Impacts_on_Caregivers_of_Witnessing_Terminal_Lucidity_in_Children
Kothe_et_al_2025_Impacts_on_Caregivers_of_Witnessing_Terminal_Lucidity_in_Children.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

Information

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.

Additional Information:

Uncontrolled Keywords:

terminal lucidity, lucidity episodes, children, caregivers, end-of-life care, spiritual experience

Creators:

Kothe, K., Tassell-Matamua, N., Woollacott, M., Nahm, M., Roe, C., Greyson, B., Mutis, M. and Evrard, R.

Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:

Research Centres > Centre for Psychology and Social Sciences

Date:

25 October 2025

Date Type:

Publication

Page Range:

pp. 1-19

Journal or Publication Title:

Omega: Journal of Death and Dying

Number of Pages:

Language:

English

ISSN:

0030-2228

Status:

Published / Disseminated

Refereed:

Yes