| This study explored the lived experience of synchronicity (meaningful coincidence) arising within the context of bereavement. The research question asked was: What is the essence of experiencing a personally meaningful coincidence while coping with the death of a loved one? Participants were over the age of 18 and bereaved no less than 6 months. The study utilized phenomenological methods to arrive at a description of the essence of participants' experience of meaningful coincidences related to dead loved ones. The essential structure of the experience includes 5 aspects. First, participants were experiencing an active grief state. Then, a perception of a meaningful coincidence occurred, which led to an effective response of surprise, awe, or wonder. This was followed by a cognitive attribution as to the causality of the coincidence. Finally, participants experienced some meaningful change in their belief system or in their life direction. This description is reported in depth and implications for future research were generated. The findings have relevance to grief counselors, bereavement researchers, and transpersonal psychologists. Grief counselors will develop an appreciation for this phenomenon, and will see how it contributes to the healing process of the bereaved individual. Bereavement researchers will be able to use the essential structure of the experience in future studies of the phenomenon. Future research suggestions and clinical applications are reviewed in Chapter 5. |
