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Final Thesis University of Huddersfield Repository Marsh, Hannah An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of Post Bereavement Apparitions (PBAs) Original Citation Marsh, Hannah (2019) An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of Post Bereavement Apparitions (PBAs). Masters thesis, University of Huddersfield. This version is available at http://eprints.hud.ac.uk/id/eprint/35029/ The University Repository is a digital collection of the research output of the University, available on Open Access. Copyright and Moral Rights for the items on this site are retained by the individual author and/or other copyright owners. Users may access full items free of charge; copies of full text items generally can be reproduced, displayed or performed and given to third parties in any format or medium for personal research or study, educational or not-for-profit purposes without prior permission or charge, provided: • The authors, title and full bibliographic details is credited in any copy; • A hyperlink and/or URL is included for the original metadata page; and • The content is not changed in any way. For more information, including our policy and submission procedure, please contact the Repository Team at: [email protected]. http://eprints.hud.ac.uk/ The school Of Human & Health Sciences An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of Post Bereavement Apparitions (PBAs). Hannah Marsh Word Count:26,655 Supervisor(s): Professor Nigel King & Dr Ruth Elliott & Dr Suvi-Maria Saarelainen Dissertation submitted for Master by Research University of Huddersfield, [January] [2019] An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of PBAs. Acknowledgements I would like to take the time to express my appreciation to those who have played a significant part in the process and completion of this research project. Firstly, I would like to demonstrate my gratitude to my supervisors, Professor Nigel King, Dr Ruth Elliott and Dr Suvi-Maria Saarelainen for their support, guidance and belief in me throughout the whole process. Secondly, I would like to thank all of the research participants for their crucial role and willingness to share their own personal experiences with me. Without, you this research would not have been possible. Lastly, I would like to show my sincere thanks to both my family and a very close friend for their patience, motivation, amazing support, never-ending inspiration and their continuous belief in me when at times, I could not believe in myself. Without all of this I would never have got this far and for that I am eternally grateful. Thank you. 2 An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of PBAs. Abstract Post bereavement apparitions (PBA’s) have been reported throughout time and culture. Traditionally, PBA’s are seen as somewhat contentious within the research. Although, newer theories surrounding bereavement focus on individuality and continued bonds PBAs are somewhat stigmatised. Additionally, research that explores the experience of PBAs is limited. To address this an IPA approach was undertaken to provide a detailed, personal and contextual view on the phenomenon and to explore individuals’ personal experiences and their individual interpretations of PBAs. A small homogenous sample of eight individuals was selected and interviewed on the basis of meeting the criteria of having a PBA. After thorough analysis six overarching themes were identified: Initial nature of loss , bonds individuals share within life and thereafter, the absolute certainty and ‘realness’ of the apparition, the endeavour to understand an intricate experience, positive attributes provide by the experience and one’s own view of the external world’s perceptions. Overall, the main significant finding was that PBAs are positive for individuals and provided an important aspect to the individual’s life, as well being experienced as very real regardless of external perceptions. The importance of normalising these experiences has been highlighted. These findings are discussed in relation to previous research and theory. Following on from this reflexivity was presented, as well as strengths and limitations and future research directions within the area. 3 An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of PBAs. Table of Contents Front cover ................................................................................................................................................................. 1 Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................................................................... 2 Abstract ........................................................................................................................................................................ 3 Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................................... 4 Introduction / Literature Review ............................................................................................................................... 5 Methodology ............................................................................................................................................................... 28 Method ........................................................................................................................................................................ 34 Findings ...................................................................................................................................................................... 46 Discussion ................................................................................................................................................................... 78 Reflexivity ................................................................................................................................................................... 91 Implications ................................................................................................................................................................ 94 Strengths and limitations ............................................................................................................................................ 95 Future research .......................................................................................................................................................... 96 Conclusion .................................................................................................................................................................. 97 References .................................................................................................................................................................. 97 Appendix A ............................................................................................................................................................... 123 Appendix B ............................................................................................................................................................... 124 Appendix C ............................................................................................................................................................... 127 Appendix D ............................................................................................................................................................... 128 Appendix E ............................................................................................................................................................... 130 Appendix F ............................................................................................................................................................... 143 Appendix G .............................................................................................................................................................. 146 Appendix H .............................................................................................................................................................. 147 Appendix I ................................................................................................................................................................ 148 Appendix J ............................................................................................................................................................... 153 Statement of Originality .......................................................................................................................................... 155 4 An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of PBAs. Introduction / Literature Review Rationale & interest Research that has been executed with an aim to add to knowledge and understanding of post bereavement apparitions (PBAs) is limited, meaning that very little is known about the phenomenon. Additionally, the lived experience is of great importance within this topic due to the meaning and understanding witnesses give to it, opposed to a general overview of the experience. The former provides an in-depth account that maintains individualism. Arguably, added knowledge may have the potential to provide more understanding and awareness to assist the reduction in stigma and the embarrassment attached to experiences. Finally, it may provide a better understanding of individual responses to bereavement. The researcher’s
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