Systematic Review on the Aftereffects of Near-Death Experiences.
Adela Miquel-Sendra, Joaquín García-alandete
OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying June 11, 2025 DOI: 10.1177/00302228251350515 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Near-death experience |
| Keywords | Aftereffects Negative ndes Positive ndes Systematic review |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key findings | Positive NDEs often lead to increased spirituality, reduced fear of death, and greater compassion, while negative NDEs can cause confusion, emotional distress, and lasting trauma. |
Abstract
Near-death experiences (NDEs) are events reported by individuals close to death. This review examines the aftereffects of NDEs based on scientific literature from 2014 to 2024. Positive NDEs often lead to increased spirituality, reduced fear of death, a deeper appreciation of life, and greater compassion. In contrast, negative NDEs, though less common, can cause confusion, emotional distress, and lasting trauma. The subjective interpretation by those who experience an NDE strongly shapes its impact, influencing both personal growth and challenges in social or emotional integration. Health professionals should be trained to support individuals who have had NDEs, recognizing the psychological significance and potential integration difficulties. Additionally, those who have not personally experienced an NDE but are exposed to such testimonies may also gain emotional and spiritual insights. In summary, NDEs are impactful psychological events that warrant informed clinical attention and support to aid individuals in processing and integrating these profound experiences.
Comparable studies
Other systematic reviews and meta-analyses on near-death experience, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Almost 40 Years Investigating Near-Death Experiences Scholarly publications on near-death experiences | 2014 | Systematic review | n = 266 |
| Explanation of near-death experiences: a systematic analysis of case reports and qualitative research. Individuals (men, women, and children) who reported near-death experiences | 2023 | Systematic review | n = 465 |
| Near-Death Experiences: A Bibliometric and Systematic Review of Published Literature From 1977 to 2025. Articles on near-death experiences | 2025 | Systematic review | n = 775 |
| Recalled Experience of Death: transcending the cerebrocentric model of consciousness | 2024 | Non-systematic review | |
| Death and Near-Death Experiences in Ketamine and Psychedelic Therapy | Systematic review and synthesis |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- The veridical Near-Death Experience Scale: construction and a first validation with human and artificial raters Frontiers in Psychology October 16, 2025
- Religious and Spiritual Changes After Near-Death Experience: A Survey-Based Study Among Urban Indonesians Religions March 12, 2026
- Operationalizing near‑death experiences: Stability of the NDE Rasch hierarchy over two decades. Consciousness and Cognition January 18, 2026
Cites 34
- Near-death experience in survivors of cardiac arrest: a prospective study in the Netherlands The Lancet December 1, 2001
- The Near-Death Experience Scale The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease June 1, 1983
- DMT Models the Near-Death Experience Frontiers in Psychology August 15, 2018
- Distressing Near-Death Experiences Psychiatry February 1, 1992
- Incidence and correlates of near-death experiences in a cardiac care unit General Hospital Psychiatry July 1, 2003
and 29 more in the library