Incidence of Near‐Death Experiences Following Attempted Suicide
Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior March 1, 1986 DOI: 10.1111/j.1943-278x.1986.tb00719.x via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractNear-death experiences (NDEs) are profound subjective events with transcendental or mystical elements that can occur during a close brush with death. Among 61 consecutive hospital admissions for attempted suicide, 16 patients (26.2%) reported having an NDE triggered by the attempt. The presence of NDEs was not significantly linked to any demographic factors. Given how often NDEs follow a suicide attempt, more research is needed to understand their impact on later suicidal behavior.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational cohort Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 61 |
| Population | Consecutive hospital admissions for attempted suicide |
| Keywords | Suicidal ideation Incidence geometry Suicide prevention Injury prevention Poison control |
| Citations | 27 |
| Key finding | 16 out of 61 patients (26.2%) who attempted suicide reported having a near-death experience precipitated by the attempt. |
Abstract
Near-death experiences (NDEs), profound subjective experiences occurring during a close brush with death and containing transcendental or mystical elements, have been reported to reduce suicidal ideation, despite their "romanticization" of death. Among 61 consecutive hospital admissions for attempted suicide, 16 patients (26.2%) reported NDEs precipitated by the attempt. NDEs were not significantly associated with any demographic factors. In light of the frequency of NDEs following attempted suicide, further studies are indicated in regard to the effect of those experiences on subsequent suicidal behavior.