Encountering living individuals in near-death experiences
Emily J. Turnbull
Consciousness, Spirituality & Transpersonal Psychology November 27, 2024 DOI: 10.53074/cstp.2024.74 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 8 |
| Population | Near-death experiencers (NDErs) and the living individuals they encountered during their NDEs |
| Topics | Near-death experience |
| Key findings | The authors argue that NDE encounters with living individuals involve intersubjective experience, transpersonal bonds, and shared meaning-making that challenge conventional views of NDEs as isolated, subjective events. When both parties recalled the encounter, meaning-making appeared enhanced and post-experience reintegration smoother; when encounters were not mutually recalled, reintegration was more difficult, even in communities attuned to NDEs. |
Abstract
This qualitative phenomenological study explored the under-researched aspect of near-death experiences (NDEs) involving encounters with living individuals, rather than deceased or religious figures. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with eight participants, the research captured the perspectives of both near-death experiencers (NDErs) and the living individuals they encountered. Thematic analysis revealed key elements of these encounters, including intersubjective experiences, the formation of transpersonal bonds, shared or individual meaning-making, and a sense of liberation from perceived victimhood. Participants also reported developing a belief in multidimensional awareness. These findings challenge conventional views of NDEs as isolated, subjective events, suggesting that communication and interconnectedness may transcend physical boundaries. When both parties recalled the shared experience, meaning-making appeared enhanced, facilitating smoother post-experience integration into daily life. Conversely, participants whose encounters were not mutually recalled faced greater challenges in reintegration, even within communities attuned to NDEs and spiritual experiences, highlighting the need for methodologies that deeply explore participants’ narratives to better capture the relational dynamics, psychological impacts, and complexities inherent in these encounters. Consequently, the results of this study support the implementation of enhanced post-experience support, including transpersonal counselling practices, to help individuals navigate the life-changing impacts of NDEs and NDE-related phenomena.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on near-death experience, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualitative thematic analysis of the phenomenology of near-death experiences Cardiac arrest survivors | 2018 | Qualitative study | n = 34 |
| Do Suicide Survivors Report Near-Death Experiences? Persons who had been close to death as a result of a suicide attempt | 1982 | Qualitative study | n = 36 |
| The evolving self: finding meaning in near-death experiences using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Female participants who had near-death experiences | 2008 | Qualitative study | n = 3 |
| Investigation of the phenomenology, physiology and impact of spiritually transformative experiences - kundalini awakening. Persons having a spiritually transformative experience (e.g., spontaneous energetic... | 2021 | Qualitative study | |
| Near-death experiences and religion: A further investigation Near-death experiencers | 1984 | Qualitative study | n = 40 |