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Combat near-death experiences: an exploratory study
Tracy H Goza1, Janice M Holden1, Lee Kinsey1
1Department of Counseling and Higher Education, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #310829, Denton, TX 76203-5017.
Military Medicine
|October 1, 2014
Summary
Combat near-death experiences (cNDEs) are distinct phenomena, not signs of mental illness. Research shows cNDErs report unique NDE Scale profiles and significant life changes, particularly in spirituality.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Military Medicine
Background:
- Combat near-death experiences (cNDEs) are underrepresented in scientific literature.
- Distinguishing cNDEs from mental illness is crucial for clinicians and experiencers (cNDErs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To contribute to the literature on cNDEs.
- To validate cNDEs as a distinct phenomenon, not indicative of psychopathology.
- To understand the psychological and spiritual aftereffects of cNDEs.
Main Methods:
- Online survey administered to 68 combat survivors.
- Utilized the Near-Death Experience (NDE) Scale and Life-Changes Inventory-Revised.
- Compared 20 cNDErs (NDE Scale score ≥7) with 48 non-NDErs.
Main Results:
- cNDErs scored lower on the NDE Scale's Affective and Transcendental subscales compared to other NDErs.
- cNDErs scored higher on the NDE Scale's Cognitive subscale.
- cNDErs reported significant changes in total life outlook and spirituality, aligning with other NDE aftereffect studies.
Conclusions:
- cNDEs exhibit a unique profile on the NDE Scale.
- The cognitive aspects of cNDEs may differ from other NDEs.
- cNDEs significantly impact personal values, especially spirituality, and are not indicative of mental illness.
