Children’s near-death experiences: tales from nurses - a content analysis study
Poria Moradi, Alireza Abdi, Ameneh Amiri Kolehjoubi
BMC Nursing June 8, 2026 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-026-04865-9 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative content analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 13 |
| Population | Pediatric nurses working in oncology and intensive care units |
| Topics | Near-death experience |
| Keywords | Content analysis Qualitative research Empathy Nursing research Feeling Referral Snowball sampling Nursing management Qualitative analysis Oncology nursing Intensive care |
| Key findings | Children's near-death experiences, as reported by nurses, involve three main categories: soothing perceptions, encounters with individuals, and emotional reactions. |
Abstract
Background: Near-death experiences (NDEs) are rare but profound phenomena that have also been reported in children. However, most existing research has focused primarily on adults, and evidence regarding pediatric NDEs remains limited. This study explored pediatric nurses' observations and accounts of children's NDEs using a qualitative approach.
Methods: A conventional qualitative content analysis design was employed. Thirteen nurses working in pediatric oncology and intensive care units of a children's referral hospital in Kermanshah, Iran, were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted between May and August 2025. Data were analyzed using the Graneheim and Lundman (2004) approach and managed with MAXQDA 2020 software.
Results: Three main categories emerged from the data: soothing perceptions, encounters with individuals, and emotional reactions. These were further organized into six subcategories: enveloped in light, secure companion, unknown observer, invitation to play, seeking security, and anxiety.
Conclusion: Children's NDEs, as reported by nurses, are multidimensional phenomena involving feelings of peace, perceived interactions with figures, and emotional responses. These findings highlight the importance of recognizing the psychological and spiritual dimensions of children's end-of-life experiences and supporting nurses in responding to them with empathy and understanding.