Exploring the integration of near-death experience aftereffects: Summary of findings.
Journal of Near-Death Studies 2009 DOI: 10.17514/jnds-2009-28-1-p3-34 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Exploratory study Longitudinal Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 11 |
| Population | Adult participants, including four near-death experiencers and seven non-experiencers |
| Measures | Revised Omega Life Change Questionnaire (Rominger-LCQ), Human Spirituality Scale |
| Topics | Near-death experience |
| Key points | The group process integrating spiritual guidance and expressive arts was associated with some significant differences and nonsignificant trends toward greater spirituality and life changes, especially among NDErs, with qualitative data indicating integration of positive aftereffects and improved understanding and communication about NDEs. |
Abstract
Abstract: Preliminary evidence suggests that both near-death experiencers (NDErs) and nonexperiencers who learn about near-death experiences (NDEs) show beneficial aftereffects. In this article I summarize the findings of an exploratory study to examine a small group process utilizing spiritual guidance and expressive arts for integrating NDE aftereffects. Eleven adult participants -- four NDErs and seven non-NDErs -- completed a pretest, initial posttest, and longitudinal posttest consisting of a revised version of the Omega Life Change Questionnaire (Rominger-LCQ) and the Human Spirituality Scale, as well as semistructured individual and group interviews. I also collected the expressive art participants created during sessions, photographed it, and used it to identify pictorial themes. Quantitative results included some significant differences and some nonsignificant trends indicating greater spirituality and life changes among NDErs compared to non-NDErs and, for all participants, from pre- to posttest. Qualitative interview material revealed participants had learned material on a number of topics of including a broader understanding of, and ability to communicate about, the NDE. Qualitative pictorial data revealed themes suggesting that both NDErs and non-NDErs had integrated positive aftereffects. The process described herein may benefit spiritual guides and directors, expressive art therapists, and therapists working with individuals who have had an NDE or other spiritually transformative experience. I also discuss methodological benefits of using artistic inquiry.