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Long-term transformational effects of near-death experiences.

Jeffrey Long, Marjorie Woollacott

Explore 2024 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2024.103030 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Cross-sectional survey with comparison group Peer reviewed
Sample size 876
Population Individuals who had near-death experiences and individuals who faced life-threatening situations without NDEs
Topics Near-death experience
Keywords Consciousness Life-threatening events Near-death experience aftereffects Spiritual awakening Transformation
Citations 17
Key findings Near-death experiences lead to a significant transformation in values and spiritual attitudes, including enhanced belief in divinity and the afterlife, decreased fear of death, and increased compassion, distinct from changes following life-threatening events without NDEs.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to deepen our understanding of the phenomenon of long-term transformational effects of near-death experiences (NDEs). Participants included 834 individuals who had experienced NDEs. We compared their responses with those of 42 individuals who had faced life-threatening situations (LTEs) without experiencing NDEs, aiming to discern whether transformations could be attributed solely to the proximity to death. We employed chi-square statistics to assess differences in aftereffects reported by the NDE and LTE-only groups. We also conducted a thematic analysis of the participants' narratives to capture a more detailed account of the transformations experienced. Our central finding reveals a significant transformation in values and spiritual attitudes among participants following their NDEs, as compared to individuals who were faced with life-threatening situations without an NDE. Key transformations include an enhanced belief in divinity and in the afterlife, a decreased fear of death, and increased levels of compassion. Participants also reported a stronger belief in the meaningfulness of life, and a profound shift in life priorities and values, emphasizing the increased importance of their spiritual or religious lives. The results support the notion that NDEs lead to a profound spiritual awakening and a reorientation towards life distinct from changes following LTEs without NDEs.

Comparable studies

Other cross-sectional and survey studies on near-death experience, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Fantasy Proneness Correlates With the Intensity of Near-Death Experience Individuals who have experienced a near-death experience (classical or NDE-like) and... 2018 Cross-sectional survey n = 228
A systematic analysis of distressing near-death experience accounts Individuals who had a near-death experience and wrote down their account 2019 Cross-sectional study n = 123
Reduced death threat in near-death experiencers Adults who had near-death experiences, came close to death without NDE, or never came... 1992 Cross-sectional study n = 290
Near-Death Experiences in a Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic Population Psychiatric outpatients 2003 Cross-sectional survey n = 832
Near-Death States Reported in a Sample of 50 Misusers Previous ketamine misusers who reported a ketamine-related near-death experience 2010 Cross-sectional survey n = 50

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Near-death experience