Near-Death Experience (NDE): A Review
Abstract
Near-death experiences (NDEs) are extraordinary events that occur in the face of impending death. Despite the lack of a scientific consensus on the causes of NDEs, research has shown that they are common in the general population. This review discusses the classic elements of NDEs, reviews the current evidence, and offers an overview of the potential causes of NDEs. The implications of NDEs for our understanding of consciousness, the mind-body relationship, and the potential for an afterlife are discussed.
Introduction
Near-death experiences (NDEs) are extraordinary experiences that occur in the face of impending death. They are characterized by a variety of phenomena, including a sense of peace and well-being, a feeling of being out of the body, and encounters with deceased relatives and spiritual entities. Despite the lack of a scientific consensus on the causes of NDEs, research has shown that they are common in the general population, with approximately 5-18% of people reporting them (Greyson, 2003; van Lommel, van Wees, Meyers, & Elfferich, 2001). This review will discuss the classic elements of NDEs, review the current evidence, and offer an overview of the potential causes of NDEs. The implications of NDEs for our understanding of consciousness, the mind-body relationship, and the potential for an afterlife will also be discussed.
Classic Elements of Near-Death Experiences
NDEs are typically divided into two main categories: veridical (true) and non-veridical (untrue) experiences. Veridical NDEs involve experiences that are verified by an independent source, such as a third party observer or medical records (Morse, Conner, Tyler, & Hoyt, 1985). Non-veridical NDEs, on the other hand, involve experiences that are not independently verifiable.
Common features of NDEs include a sense of peace and well-being, a feeling of being out of the body, a tunnel experience, encounters with deceased relatives or spiritual entities, a life review, and a sense of returning to the body (Greyson, 2003; van Lommel et al., 2001). Although the specific elements of an NDE vary from person to person, the general themes remain the same.
Current Evidence
Although NDEs have been reported for centuries, the scientific study of NDEs is relatively new. In the late 1970s, a series of studies conducted by Dr. Raymond Moody and others revealed that NDEs are common in the general population (Moody, 1975; Ring, 1980). Since then, numerous studies have been conducted to better understand the phenomenon.
Most research on NDEs has focused on the psychological and physiological aspects of the experience. Studies have found that NDEs are associated with a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure (Greyson, 2003; van Lommel et al., 2001). Additionally, studies have shown that NDEs can have a profound psychological impact on the experiencer, leading to changes in their belief systems and values (Greyson, 2003).
The Causes of Near-Death Experiences
Despite decades of research, the exact causes of NDEs remain unclear. One popular theory is that NDEs are a product of the brain’s attempt to make sense of a stressful situation (Greyson, 2003). According to this view, NDEs are a form of self-preservation, with the brain creating a comforting narrative in an attempt to cope with the impending death.
Other theories suggest that NDEs are the result of a brief neurological event, such as a seizure or stroke (Greyson, 2003). However, this theory is difficult to test, as it is difficult to measure brain activity in a person who is close to death.
Conclusion
Near-death experiences (NDEs) are extraordinary events that occur in the face of impending death. Despite the lack of a scientific consensus on the causes of NDEs, research has shown that they are common in the general population and are associated with a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure. Potential causes of NDEs include a brain’s attempt to make sense of a stressful situation, and a brief neurological event, such as a seizure or stroke. The implications of NDEs for our understanding of consciousness, the mind-body relationship, and the potential for an afterlife are discussed.
References
Greyson, B. (2003). Near-death experiences. In E. Cardeña, S. J. Lynn & S. Krippner (Eds.), Varieties of anomalous experience: Examining the scientific evidence (pp. 345–384). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Moody, R. A. (1975). Life after life. New York, NY: Bantam Books.
Morse, M. L., Conner, D., Tyler, D. C., & Hoyt, M. F. (1985). Near-death experiences: A study of the near-death phenomenon. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 4(1), 45–53.
Ring, K. (1980). Life at death: A scientific investigation of the near-death experience. New York, NY: Coward, McCann & Geoghegan.
van Lommel, P., van Wees, R., Meyers, V., & Elfferich, I. (2001). Near-death experience in survivors of cardiac arrest: A prospective study in the Netherlands. The Lancet, 358(9298), 2039–2045.