Faith at the Edge of Life: A Mixed-Methods Study of Near-Death Experiences and Spiritual Transformation in the Philippines
Religions September 9, 2025 Fides del Castillo, Gregory S. Ching, Clarence Darro del Castillo et al. 1 citation
Near-death experiences (NDEs) often lead to religious change, but most research has focused on Western contexts. In a mixed-methods study of 683 Filipino adults who reported having NDEs, most participants said their spirituality increased or stayed the same afterward. Only age significantly predicted perceived spiritual change. Qualitative analysis of narrative responses identified six themes: altruism and helping others, challenges to spirituality, increased religious practices, no changes or decreased faith, reflection and growth, and validation of divine presence. The findings show how personal experience, identity, and cultural beliefs shape religious meaning-making after NDEs, offering a culturally grounded understanding of spiritual change.