Defining near-death experiences

Near-death experiences (NDEs) lack a clear, agreed-upon definition and proper diagnostic tests. Researchers often confuse definitions, criteria for identifying NDEs, and tests of those criteria. Tests that describe common features, measure depth, or diagnose occurrence are used interchangeably, though they serve different purposes. Because no dichotomous diagnostic test exists, NDEs are defined by summing characteristic elements on scales—a circular approach that substitutes intervening variables for the phenomenon itself and ignores questions about the sensitivity and specificity of those elements. The field needs to identify the critical dimensions of NDEs, develop an accepted definition, and create a fixed-interval scale for measurement.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Researchers have failed to distinguish definitions of near-death experiences (NDEs), criteria for identifying them and tests of those criteria. Few researchers specify criteria or apply standard tests; those who do often use those tests inappropriately. Tests of NDEs may either describe their common features, measure their depth, or 'diagnose' their occurrence; all three have been used to define NDEs, although they serve different purposes. Since we do not have a dichotomous diagnostic test for NDEs, researchers define NDEs by scales summing characteristic elements, a circular definition that uses intervening variables in place of NDEs themselves, and begs questions of different elements' sensitivity and specificity for NDEs. Researchers need to identify the critical dimension(s) to be assessed in determining depth of NDEs and develop an accepted definition of the phenomenon and a fixed-interval scale with which to measure it.