Scientists from Azienda USL–IRCCS di Reggio Emilia surveyed more than 200 carers of terminally ill people about end-of-life dreams and visions (ELDVs). The results revealed several common themes, such as encounters with deceased loved ones and symbols of transition like doors, stairways, and light. ' End-of-life dreams and visions may offer psychological relief and meaning to people facing end of life, with some described as unsettling or distressing while others conveyed beauty or serenity.
The reason for the different types of end-of-life visions remains unclear, and it is not known what specific percentage of patients experience comforting versus distressing dreams. Some healthcare professionals suggested that comforting dreams involving deceased loved ones might be understood as psychospiritual coping mechanisms. ' Patients often hesitate to disclose end-of-life dreams and visions due to fear of ridicule, judgment, or being perceived as confused, as noted by the team led by Elisa Rabitti.
ELDVs carry an important relational potential.
The team surveyed 239 palliative care doctors, nurses, and psychologists about the dreams their terminally ill patients had told them. ' How cultural or religious backgrounds influence the content and interpretation of these dreams, as well as the neurological or physiological mechanisms behind them, remain unknown.
Talking about ELDVs allows patients to approach otherwise unspeakable topics through a symbolic mode of expression, bypassing the obstacles of rational language, which can instead trigger defensive reactions such as denial.
Despite their prevalence and relational significance, ELDVs still lack a clear cultural and clinical understanding.
A monster with my mother’s face was dragging me down.