Long-term transformational effects of near-death experiences.
Jeffrey Long, Marjorie Woollacott
Explore (New York, N.Y.) January 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2024.103030 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractPeople who have had a near-death experience (NDE) undergo a lasting spiritual awakening and shift in life priorities that goes beyond what is seen after other life-threatening events. In a comparison of 834 individuals who had NDEs with 42 who faced life-threatening situations without an NDE, those with NDEs reported a stronger belief in divinity and the afterlife, a decreased fear of death, greater compassion, and a heightened sense that life is meaningful. Their values reoriented toward spiritual and religious life. The findings indicate that the transformation is specific to the NDE itself, not merely a response to nearly dying.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey with comparison group Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 876 |
| Population | Individuals who had near-death experiences and individuals who faced life-threatening situations without NDEs |
| Keywords | Consciousness Life-threatening events Near-death experience aftereffects Spiritual awakening Transformation |
| Citations | 17 |
| Key finding | Near-death experiences lead to a significant transformation in values and spiritual attitudes, including enhanced belief in divinity and the afterlife, decreased fear of death, and increased compassion, distinct from changes following life-threatening events without NDEs. |
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to deepen our understanding of the phenomenon of long-term transformational effects of near-death experiences (NDEs). Participants included 834 individuals who had experienced NDEs. We compared their responses with those of 42 individuals who had faced life-threatening situations (LTEs) without experiencing NDEs, aiming to discern whether transformations could be attributed solely to the proximity to death. We employed chi-square statistics to assess differences in aftereffects reported by the NDE and LTE-only groups. We also conducted a thematic analysis of the participants' narratives to capture a more detailed account of the transformations experienced. Our central finding reveals a significant transformation in values and spiritual attitudes among participants following their NDEs, as compared to individuals who were faced with life-threatening situations without an NDE. Key transformations include an enhanced belief in divinity and in the afterlife, a decreased fear of death, and increased levels of compassion. Participants also reported a stronger belief in the meaningfulness of life, and a profound shift in life priorities and values, emphasizing the increased importance of their spiritual or religious lives. The results support the notion that NDEs lead to a profound spiritual awakening and a reorientation towards life distinct from changes following LTEs without NDEs.