Related Experiment Videos
Distressing near-death experiences
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut Health Centr, Farmington 06030.
Psychiatry
|February 1, 1992
Summary
Distressing near-death experiences, though less common, can be frightening and hellish. Further research is needed to understand their causes, effects, and relationship to typical peaceful near-death experiences.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Thanatology
Background:
- Near-death experiences (NDEs) are typically characterized by profound peace and unity.
- A subset of NDEs involves distressing, frightening, or hellish experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To categorize and describe the less common, distressing near-death experiences.
- To explore the potential antecedents and aftereffects of these negative NDEs.
Main Methods:
- Review and analysis of reported distressing near-death experiences.
- Categorization of experiences based on phenomenological characteristics.
Main Results:
- Identified three distinct types of distressing NDEs: unpleasant interpretations of typical NDEs, experiences of nonexistence/void, and graphic hellish visions.
- Noted that some unpleasant NDEs may evolve into typical peaceful experiences.
Conclusions:
- Distressing NDEs represent a significant, understudied aspect of the near-death phenomenon.
- Further investigation into the origins, psychological impact, and long-term effects of distressing NDEs is warranted.