Intensity and memory characteristics of near-death experiences
Charlotte Martial, Vanessa Charland-Verville, Héléna Cassol, Vincent Didone, Martial Van der Linden, Steven Laureys
Consciousness and Cognition July 8, 2017 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2017.06.018 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMemories of near-death experiences (NDEs) are detailed and stable over time, yet their rich phenomenology lacks a satisfactory explanation. In 152 individuals who reported a classical NDE during life-threatening conditions, the intensity of the NDE was positively correlated with phenomenological characteristics of the memory, such as sensory details, personal importance, and frequency of reactivation. Those who described more intense NDEs also reported more vivid and detailed memories of the event.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational cohort Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 152 |
| Population | Individuals with a self-reported classical NDE occurring in life-threatening conditions |
| Citations | 24 |
| Key finding | Greyson NDE scale total score was positively correlated with MCQ total score, indicating that more intense NDEs are associated with more phenomenological memory characteristics. |
Abstract
Memories of Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) seem to be very detailed and stable over time. At present, there is still no satisfactory explanation for the NDEs' rich phenomenology. Here we compared phenomenological characteristics of NDE memories with the reported experience's intensity. We included 152 individuals with a self-reported "classical" NDE (i.e. occurring in life-threatening conditions). All participants completed a mailed questionnaire that included a measure of phenomenological characteristics of memories (the Memory Characteristics Questionnaire; MCQ) and a measure of NDE's intensity (the Greyson NDE scale). Greyson NDE scale total score was positively correlated with MCQ total score, suggesting that participants who described more intense NDEs also reported more phenomenological memory characteristics of NDE. Using MCQ items, our study also showed that NDE's intensity is associated in particular with sensory details, personal importance and reactivation frequency variables.