Distressing Near-Death Experiences

Most near-death experiences involve peace and joy, but some are partially or entirely frightening or hellish. Three distinct types of distressing near-death experiences exist: one that resembles peaceful experiences but is interpreted negatively, one involving a sense of nonexistence or eternal void, and one with graphic hellish landscapes and entities. The first type may eventually become peaceful. The psychological impact of these distressing experiences can be profound and long-lasting, but their antecedents and aftereffects remain poorly understood.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Most reported near-death experiences include profound feelings of peace, joy, and cosmic unity. Less familiar are the reports following close brushes with death of experiences that are partially or entirely unpleasant, frightening, or frankly hellish. While little is known about the antecedents or aftereffects of these distressing experiences, there appear to be three distinct types, involving (1) phenomenology similar to peaceful near-death experiences but interpreted as unpleasant, (2) a sense of nonexistence or eternal void, or (3) graphic hellish landscapes and entities. While the first type may eventually convert to a typical peaceful experience, the relationship of all three types to prototypical near-death experiences merits further study. The effect of the distressing experience in the lives of individuals deserves exploration, as the psychological impact may be profound and long-lasting.