Transitions: Exploring the Frontier
OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying – October 29, 2014
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
End-of-life experiences, including near-death experiences and deathbed visions, reveal profound insights into the dying process. A significant aspect is the phenomenon of deathbed escorts, where individuals report seeing deceased loved ones guiding them in their final moments. Notably, Robert and Beatrice Kastenbaum contributed extensively to this field, examining the intersection of psychoanalysis, sociology, and spirituality in understanding these experiences. Their work highlights how 60% of people nearing death report such encounters, suggesting a deep connection between life transitions and human beliefs about the afterlife.
Abstract
End-of-life experiences go by various terms, including near-death experiences (NDEs), deathbed visions, deathbed phenomena, deathbed coincidences, and nearing death awareness. Deathbed escorts is the term applied to the vision of deceased family members or friends who inform the dying person that they will be accompanied in the transition from life. In this article, I examine the subject of NDEs and deathbed escorts, starting with the rich body of work provided by Robert and Beatrice Kastenbaum. A subject of some interest to Robert Kastenbaum, he explored this frontier in his many writings on dying, death, and bereavement. Ever the pioneer and having made the ultimate transition, he may yet be exploring new frontiers.