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 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.3390/rel16091158 via OpenAlex
Summary
Individuals in the Philippines who experienced near-death experiences (NDEs) often report increased or unchanged spirituality, with age being a significant predictor of perceived spiritual change. The study involved 683 Filipino adults and utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods to explore how personal experiences and cultural beliefs influence religious meaning-making after NDEs. Six themes emerged from qualitative responses, including altruism, challenges to spirituality, and validation of divine presence.
Study at a glance
| Design | mixed-methods study |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 683 |
| Population | Filipino adults who acknowledged having near-death experiences |
| Key finding | Most participants reported increased or unchanged spirituality following their near-death experiences. |
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.