Prevalence estimates of nonordinary experiences depend on validity and measurement choices

Nonordinary experiences (NOEs) such as déjà vu, intense compassion, and out-of-body sensations are common in the general population, but how researchers ask about them greatly affects reported prevalence. A mental health framing and yes/no response options both lower prevalence rates, while item clarity raises them. Across six studies totaling over 37,000 participants, déjà vu and unusually intense experiences of compassion and love were most prevalent (over 70%), while perceptions of animated objects, devotion to objects or individuals, out-of-body experiences, and seeing lights were rarer (over 13%). Despite framing and response-format effects, relative lifetime prevalence can be estimated consistently. The findings provide a validated tool for systematically identifying these experiences to study consciousness in real-world contexts.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Nonordinary experiences (NOEs) that are subjectively marked as unusual or special have important implications for our understanding of consciousness but are challenging to quantify. Estimates of their prevalence vary widely across disciplines and research traditions, and the reasons for this variation remain unclear. We address this discrepancy in a series of six studies. In study 1, we validated 31 items using descriptive, non-judgmental phrasing of experiences (N = 1,284). In studies 2 to 4, we identified factors contributing to different prevalence rates (total N = 11,628). Study 2 showed that a mental health framing results in lower prevalence rates. Studies 3 to 4 demonstrated that dichotomous response options result in lower prevalence rates. Study 5 (N = 12,912) tested the comparative importance of these factors and showed that validity information (clarity and understandability of items), mental health framing of the study and response formats of items affect absolute point estimates, but relative lifetime prevalence rates can be estimated consistently. Study 6 (N = 11,628) reported the overall relative lifetime prevalence rates indicating that a sense of déjà vu, and unusually intense experiences of compassion and love ( > 70%) were relatively most prevalent; whereas perceptions of animated objects, devotion to objects or individuals, out-of-body experiences and seeing lights were rarer ( > 13%). Nonordinary experiences are common in general population samples, but study design choices obscure accurate prevalence estimates. Our approach enables the systematic identification of these experiences for studying consciousness in real-world contexts.