Near-death experiences and religion: A further investigation
Steven A. McLaughlin, H. Newton Malony
Journal of Religion and Health 1984 DOI: 10.1007/bf00996157 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 40 |
| Population | Near-death experiencers |
| Topics | Near-death experience |
| Citations | 31 |
| Key findings | The depth of a near-death experience correlates with a subsequent increase in the importance of religion and religious activity, but pre-NDE religious orientation does not predict NDE depth. |
Abstract
The relationship between religion and near-death experiencers (NDEs) was examined by interviewing 40 near-death experiences who were given a series of instruments to measure religious orientation and religious change. No relationship was found between religious orientation prior to the NDE and the depth of the NDE. However, a significant correlation was found between the depth of the NDE and a subsequent increase both in the importance of religion and in religious activity. Various theoretical explanations of NDEs were examined to account for these findings.