Near-death experiences.

Abstract

Near-death experiences (NDEs), profound events reported by people who have been close to death, often include feelings of peace, a sense of being outside the physical body, a life review, and meeting apparent nonphysical beings and environments; and they often precipitate profound changes in attitudes and values. Research on NDEs has focused on their epidemiology, psychophysiological correlates, and aftereffects, most commonly including increased spirituality, compassion, altruism, appreciation of life, and belief in postmortem existence. NDEs challenge the conventional assumption that consciousness is invariably linked to brain processes. Scientific discussions of the mind–brain problem must take these data into account.

In the evidence

This study is part of the evidence base for a synthesis in the library. Here is how each one recorded it.

• State of the evidence: Near-death experience ?Unclear

  Argues that NDEs, which often include peace, out-of-body sensations, life review, and encounters with apparent nonphysical beings, challenge the assumption that consciousness is invariably linked to brain processes.

  Synthesized October 19, 2026

Comparable studies

Other narrative reviews on near-death experience, most cited first.