An out-of-body illusion induced by virtual reality reduced fear of death compared to a control condition where the illusion was weaker. Sixteen women per group experienced a virtual body from a first-person perspective with synchronized touch and movement, then viewed it from above. In the experimental group, the connection to the virtual body was cut, producing a stronger feeling of disownership; in the control group, synchrony continued. The experimental group reported lower fear of death, consistent with reports that naturally occurring out-of-body experiences are often linked to greater belief in life after death.
Immersive virtual reality can simulate death and near-death experiences, offering a new way to study their psychological impact. Participants embodied in virtual bodies on an island witnessed companions' deaths and their own death, including out-of-body experience, life review, and tunnel leading to white light. Fifteen female participants experienced six sessions from childhood to death; sixteen controls formed a waiting group. Those who underwent the simulation reported life attitude changes, becoming more concerned with others and more interested in global rather than material issues compared to the control group. The small sample size means results are indicative rather than conclusive.