Neuroscience and psychology
Science of near-death experiences
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Ainhoa Pérez
Alumni
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MPH, MSc.
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Near-death experiences represent intense psychological phenomena that often occur in situations of extreme danger or when a person is close to death. These events, frequently characterized by feelings of peace, detachment from the physical body, life reviews, and encounters with mystical beings or environments, have given rise to various interpretations. From a physiological perspective, it has been proposed that these phenomena could be simply associated with changes in brain activity, such as chemical alterations or abnormal activity in the temporal lobe. Psychological theories, on the other hand, suggest that these experiences could function as dissociative defense mechanisms in situations of extreme adversity.
A systematic review (Hashemi et al., 2023) has evaluated the impact of near-death experiences on people from diverse cultures and religions. The analysis included 54 studies comprising case reports, case series, and qualitative studies published since 1980 with no language restrictions to ensure cultural representativeness in the data. In total, more than 400 individuals, including men, women, and children, who had experienced near-death situations were included. The data were analyzed qualitatively, identifying common patterns that allowed the reported experiences to be classified into four main categories: emotional, cognitive, spiritual, and supernatural. The results indicated that supernatural experiences, particularly the sensation of leaving the body and observing it from an external perspective, are the most common and consistent among those who have been on the brink of death, regardless of their geography and cultural or religious beliefs. Likewise, the perception of passing through a tunnel was another recurring phenomenon. Many participants described an intensification of their sensory perceptions during these experiences, a profound sense of peace and absence of pain, as well as a review of their past life and encounters with spiritual beings or deceased loved ones. Although less frequent, some individuals reported negative experiences, such as visions and feelings of terror, although these were less common than positive experiences. Despite differences in cultural and religious interpretation that influence their perception, these experiences shared similar characteristics across cultures, suggesting a possible common basis.
In conclusion, this systematic review suggests that near-death experiences are complex phenomena that, although interpreted differently according to personal beliefs, culture, and religion, share common elements that recur in different contexts. These findings support the hypothesis that these experiences may be related to universal psychological, physiological, or consciousness phenomena. For healthcare professionals, it is crucial to better understand these phenomena in order to provide adequate support to patients. The impact of these experiences on the lives of those who undergo them can be profound, causing significant personality changes, such as a greater appreciation for life, reduced fear of death, changes in personal values, and increased spirituality. However, many people find it difficult to integrate these experiences into their daily lives, often due to a lack of adequate support. Nevertheless, this review has certain limitations, such as variability in the quality of the studies included and the fact that many experiences are reported long after they occurred, which could compromise the accuracy of memories. Further research is needed to explore the possible influences of psychological and physiological factors on these experiences.
A systematic review (Hashemi et al., 2023) has evaluated the impact of near-death experiences on people from diverse cultures and religions. The analysis included 54 studies comprising case reports, case series, and qualitative studies published since 1980 with no language restrictions to ensure cultural representativeness in the data. In total, more than 400 individuals, including men, women, and children, who had experienced near-death situations were included. The data were analyzed qualitatively, identifying common patterns that allowed the reported experiences to be classified into four main categories: emotional, cognitive, spiritual, and supernatural. The results indicated that supernatural experiences, particularly the sensation of leaving the body and observing it from an external perspective, are the most common and consistent among those who have been on the brink of death, regardless of their geography and cultural or religious beliefs. Likewise, the perception of passing through a tunnel was another recurring phenomenon. Many participants described an intensification of their sensory perceptions during these experiences, a profound sense of peace and absence of pain, as well as a review of their past life and encounters with spiritual beings or deceased loved ones. Although less frequent, some individuals reported negative experiences, such as visions and feelings of terror, although these were less common than positive experiences. Despite differences in cultural and religious interpretation that influence their perception, these experiences shared similar characteristics across cultures, suggesting a possible common basis.
In conclusion, this systematic review suggests that near-death experiences are complex phenomena that, although interpreted differently according to personal beliefs, culture, and religion, share common elements that recur in different contexts. These findings support the hypothesis that these experiences may be related to universal psychological, physiological, or consciousness phenomena. For healthcare professionals, it is crucial to better understand these phenomena in order to provide adequate support to patients. The impact of these experiences on the lives of those who undergo them can be profound, causing significant personality changes, such as a greater appreciation for life, reduced fear of death, changes in personal values, and increased spirituality. However, many people find it difficult to integrate these experiences into their daily lives, often due to a lack of adequate support. Nevertheless, this review has certain limitations, such as variability in the quality of the studies included and the fact that many experiences are reported long after they occurred, which could compromise the accuracy of memories. Further research is needed to explore the possible influences of psychological and physiological factors on these experiences.
#NDE
References:
Hashemi A et al. Explanation of near-death experiences: a systematic analysis of case reports and qualitative research. Front Psychol. 2023 Apr 20;14:1048929. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1048929
* The news published on studies do not represent an official position of ICNS, nor a clinical recommendation.
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