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.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1-19 |
| Number of pages | 19 |
| Journal | Omega: Journal of Death and Dying |
| Early online date | 25 Oct 2025 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 25 Oct 2025 |
Bibliographical note
© The Author(s) 2025Data Access Statement
Due to the sensitive nature of the data, it is not openly available online. However, it is available by making a request to the corresponding author : Natasha Tassell-Matamua, Centre for Indigenous Psychologies, School of Psychology, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand. Email: [email protected]Keywords
- terminal lucidity
- lucidity episodes
- children
- caregivers
- end-of-life care
- spiritual experience
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