The Near-Death Experience Content (NDE-C) scale: Development and psychometric validation
Charlotte Martial, Jessica Simon, Ninon Puttaert, Olivia Gosseries, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Anne-Sophie Nyssen, Bruce Greyson, Steven Laureys, Héléna Cassol
Consciousness and Cognition November 1, 2020 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2020.103049 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractTwo scales for measuring near-death experiences (NDEs) were evaluated. The original NDE scale showed several weaknesses. A new 20-item Near-Death Experience Content (NDE-C) scale was developed and validated, revealing a five-factor structure covering relevant dimensions. The NDE-C scale demonstrated very good internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.85) and concurrent validity (correlations above 0.76). This new reliable scale should facilitate future research on NDEs.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Psychometric validation study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 69 |
| Key finding | The new 20-item Near-Death Experience Content (NDE-C) scale has very good psychometric properties, including a 5-factor structure, internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.85), and concurrent validity (correlations above 0.76). |
Abstract
As interest grows in near-death experiences (NDEs), it is increasingly important to accurately identify them to facilitate empirical research and reproducibility among assessors. We aimed (1) to reassess the psychometric properties of the NDE scale developed by Greyson (1983) and (2) to validate the Near-Death Experience Content (NDE-C) scale that quantifies NDEs in a more complete way. Internal consistency, construct and concurrent validity analyses were performed on the NDE scale. Based on those results and the most recent empirical evidence, we then developed a new 20-item scale. Internal consistency, explanatory and confirmatory factor, concurrent and discriminant validity analyses were conducted. Results revealed (1) a series of weaknesses in the NDE scale, (2) a 5-factor structure covering relevant dimensions and the very good psychometric properties of the NDE-C scale, including very good internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.85) and concurrent validity (correlations above 0.76). This new reliable scale should facilitate future research.