| This phenomenological, qualitative study explored caregivers' experiences of a simulated "coma" or seemingly unresponsive state. The literature review examined historical and contemporary death-related attitudes in modern industrialized societies. It also examined issues regarding coma and near death experiences, including Process-oriented coma work methods. The participants included five women and one man. Each were of European-American ethnicity aged between 25 and 59 years, and each had varying degrees of experience in working with the comatose. Using Mindell's (1999) Process Work model of coma work, an individual session was conducted with each participant in order to facilitate a simulated coma state for 10--15 minutes. An in-depth, semi-structured interview was also conducted before and after each experiential session in order to understand the lived experience of the coma work and its meanings as perceived by the participants. Thematic analysis revealed two major themes of experience: "Unusual Physical and Non-Physical Experience" and "Implications of the Simulated Coma," each of which were further divided into sub-themes. The sub-themes for the former included: heightened senses, spontaneous visual images, altered perception of self and body, sense of comfort, sense of vulnerability, reduced connectedness from outer world, and connection with the sitter. The participants described how these experiences impacted their personal and professional beliefs and attitudes towards seemingly unresponsive states. The latter theme, "Implications of the Simulated Coma," included: enhanced empathic connection with patients, attitudinal change toward patients, practical implications, enhanced reflection on mortality and own vulnerability to coma, appreciation for life, and enhanced interest in learning about coma. Implications of this study for the fields of terminal care and death education were discussed. |
