Faith at the Edge of Life: A Mixed-Methods Study of Near-Death Experiences and Spiritual Transformation in the Philippines
Fides del Castillo, Gregory S. Ching, Clarence Darro del Castillo, Stefan Huber
Religions September 9, 2025 DOI: 10.3390/rel16091158 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Mixed-methods study Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 683 |
| Population | Filipino adults who acknowledged having near-death experiences |
| Topics | Buddhism Near-death experience |
| Keywords | Spirituality Transformative learning Faith Existentialism Value mathematics Religious experience Spiritual development Qualitative research Grounded theory Qualitative property Altruism biology Narrative inquiry Belief system Gender studies Epistemology Religiosity Exploratory research |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key points | Most Filipino adults reported increased or unchanged spirituality after a near-death experience, and only age significantly predicted perceived spiritual change. |
Abstract
Near-death experiences (NDEs) encompass transformative existential experiences that lead to religious change. Although most previous research focused primarily on Western contexts, there remains less understanding of individuals’ interpretations of NDEs in pluralistic societies such as the Philippines. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study examined the relationship between NDEs and spiritual transformation in a sample of 683 Filipino adults who acknowledged having NDEs. Quantitative data were assessed in terms of levels of religiosity, NDE occurrence, and perceived spiritual change according to different demographics. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression. For the qualitative analysis, narrative responses on the reason why their spirituality increased, stayed the same, or decreased were thematically classified. Six focused phenomenological narratives are noted: altruism and helping others, challenges to spirituality, increased and strengthened religious practices, no changes or decreased faith, reflection and growth, and validation of divine presence. In addition, while the majority reported increased or unchanged spirituality following their NDE, only age emerged as a significant predictor of perceived spiritual change. Overall, findings highlight how personal experience, identity, and cultural beliefs shape religious meaning-making after NDEs. This study offers a culturally grounded understanding of spiritual change and highlights the value of a mixed-methods approach in religious studies.