Stefan Huber

2 papers in the library · 1 citation · publishing 2025-2026

Papers

Faith at the Edge of Life: A Mixed-Methods Study of Near-Death Experiences and Spiritual Transformation in the Philippines

Religions September 9, 2025 Fides del Castillo, Gregory S. Ching, Clarence Darro del Castillo et al. 1 citation

Near-death experiences (NDEs) often lead to religious change, but most research has focused on Western contexts. In a mixed-methods study of 683 Filipino adults who reported having NDEs, most participants said their spirituality increased or stayed the same afterward. Only age significantly predicted perceived spiritual change. Qualitative analysis of narrative responses identified six themes: altruism and helping others, challenges to spirituality, increased religious practices, no changes or decreased faith, reflection and growth, and validation of divine presence. The findings show how personal experience, identity, and cultural beliefs shape religious meaning-making after NDEs, offering a culturally grounded understanding of spiritual change.

DOI: 10.3390/rel16091158 Buddhism Spirituality Transformative learning Faith +16

Religious and Spiritual Changes After Near-Death Experience: A Survey-Based Study Among Urban Indonesians

Religions March 12, 2026 Rena Latifa, Maryam Abidah Masykuroh, Stefan Huber

Near-death experiences (NDEs) are linked to increased spirituality or religiosity among Indonesian adults, consistent with global findings. In a sample of 402 NDErs from Jakarta (70% female; average age 23), age moderated the effect: early adulthood showed the highest rate of increase, significantly exceeding adolescence, while middle adulthood had higher baseline levels but greater stability. Pre-existing spirituality or religiosity predicted post-NDE changes, and non-religious individuals were overrepresented among those reporting a decrease. Gender differences were not significant.

DOI: 10.3390/rel17030355 Religiosity Spirituality Transformative learning Population +5