Comparing Near-Death Experiences and Shared Death Experiences: An Illuminating Contrast
Journal of Near-Death Studies January 1, 2022 DOI: 10.17514/jnds-2022-40-2-p77-94 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
Near-death experiences (NDEs) and shared death experiences (SDEs) share many core features, such as feelings of peace, seeing a light, and encountering deceased relatives, but differ in who has them. NDEs occur in individuals who are close to death, while SDEs are experienced by bystanders, such as family members or friends, who are not themselves in danger. Both types of experiences lead to lasting positive aftereffects, including reduced fear of death and increased spirituality. The comparison suggests that the phenomenology of deathbed experiences may extend beyond the dying person to those present.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Comparative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Persons who reported near-death experiences and persons who reported shared death experiences |
| Keywords | Psychology |
| Key finding | Near-death experiences and shared death experiences share similar features and aftereffects, but differ in who experiences them. |
Abstract
Article comparing records of persons who reported near-death experiences (i.e., experienced by a person close to death) with shared death experiences (i.e., experienced by someone other than the person close to death). It discusses similarities and differences in features and aftereffects based on these reports.