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Published on: January 13, 2018
Varieties of near-death experience
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06030-2103.
Psychiatry
|November 1, 1993
Summary
Near-death experiences profoundly impact individuals near death. These events cause lasting changes in beliefs and behaviors, altering attitudes toward life and death.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Thanatology
Background:
- Near-death experiences (NDEs) are significant subjective events reported by individuals close to death.
- These experiences are crucial for mental health professionals due to their profound effects on patients.
- NDEs can lead to substantial, enduring transformations in personal values, beliefs, and behaviors.
Observation:
- Studies indicate 30%-40% of individuals who narrowly escape death report NDEs.
- Approximately 5% of the adult American population has reported experiencing an NDE.
- Research includes surveys of resuscitated patients and national population polls.
Findings:
- NDEs are associated with significant alterations in individuals' perspectives on life and mortality.
- The reported changes often manifest as a reevaluation of priorities and a deeper sense of purpose.
- Long-term psychological and behavioral shifts are common among NDE experiencers.
Implications:
- Understanding NDEs can inform therapeutic approaches for individuals experiencing existential crises.
- Further research into the neurobiological and psychological underpinnings of NDEs is warranted.
- These experiences offer insights into human consciousness and the response to extreme physiological stress.
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