Exploring near death experiences with children post intensive care: A case series

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Donna Thomas1, Graeme O'Connor2

  • 1IcreateS Research Unit, University of Central Lancashire, UK, Floor 1, Eden House, Preston, United Kingdom.

Explore (New York, N.Y.)
|November 28, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Children report near-death experiences (NDEs) with common elements like bright lights and out-of-body sensations. These findings suggest children are a vital population for NDE research.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Neuroscience
  • Thanatology

Background:

  • Near-death experiences (NDEs) are associated with life-threatening events.
  • Research on NDEs has primarily focused on adult populations.
  • Understanding NDEs in children offers unique insights into consciousness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present preliminary findings on children's near-death experiences.
  • To highlight common elements in pediatric NDEs.
  • To advocate for children as a key research group for NDE studies.

Main Methods:

  • Case study series analysis.
  • Qualitative description of children's reported experiences.
  • Exploration of participatory and creative research methods.

Main Results:

  • Children spontaneously reported NDEs with core elements (out-of-body experiences, bright lights, visions).
  • Pediatric NDEs included transcendental features: peaceful darkness, altered time, and heightened awareness.
  • Children consistently assigned subjective reality to their experiences.

Conclusions:

  • Children's NDEs share fundamental characteristics with adult NDEs.
  • Pediatric NDEs, particularly visual semiosis in younger children, warrant further investigation.
  • Involving children in NDE research using creative methods is valuable and essential.

Keywords:
ChildrenCreative research methodsIntensive-care unitNear death experiencesPics-p

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