Factors associated with post-traumatic growth in severe COVID-19 patients discharged from intensive care: the influence of near-death experiences.
Amaury C Mengin, Julie Rolling, Walid Oulehri, Pierre Orselli, Adrien Gras, Fabrice Berna, Pierre Vidailhet
Scientific Reports June 5, 2026 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-55687-3 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional, monocentric study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 59 |
| Population | Severe COVID-19 patients discharged from ICU |
| Duration | Three months after ICU hospitalization |
| Topics | Near-death experience PTSD |
| Keywords | Covid-19 Intensive care Post-traumatic growth |
| Key findings | Post-traumatic growth was associated with the presence of a near-death experience, intense and intrusive memories, and higher PTSD symptom levels. |
Abstract
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) hospitalizations confront individuals with imminent death and may cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In contrast, traumatic events may lead to positive psychological outcomes such as post-traumatic growth. As consciousness is altered, near-death experiences (NDEs) may occur and be associated with post-traumatic growth. Our cross-sectional, monocentric study aims to determine the factors associated with post-traumatic growth in severe, ICU-discharged COVID-19 patients, including the influence of NDEs and memory characteristics. We recruited participants three months after their ICU hospitalization. Patients benefitted from a multidisciplinary medical assessment, including a clinical interview with a psychiatrist. Self-administered questionnaires evaluated PTSD symptoms, post-traumatic growth, and NDEs. Fifty-nine patients were included in the study. Mean post-traumatic growth levels were relatively high, while the occurrence of PTSD was low (3.4%). An NDE was identified among 20.3% of participants. Post-traumatic growth was relevantly associated with the presence of an NDE, intense and intrusive memories and higher PTSD symptoms levels. Patients discharged from ICU after severe COVID-19 report high levels of post-traumatic growth, which may be associated to the occurrence of a near-death experience and higher distress. Better identification and psychological support about NDEs could improve post-ICU psychological recovery and well-being.
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 |