Spiritual transformation after near-death experiences.
Spirituality in Clinical Practice March 1, 2014 40 citations
People who have a near-death experience during a brush with death report greater spiritual growth afterward than those who come close to death without such an experience. Among 230 self-selected participants, spiritual growth was stronger the deeper the near-death experience. Spiritual decline was similar in both groups and unrelated to the depth of the experience. Near-death experiences are therefore linked to increased posttraumatic spiritual growth but do not affect posttraumatic spiritual decline. The findings suggest that spiritual transformation matters for well-being and that therapies should include ways to foster spiritual growth.