Exploring the integration of near-death experience aftereffects: Summary of findings.

Abstract

Preliminary evidence suggests that both near-death experiencers (NDErs) and nonexperiencers who learn about near-death experiences (NDEs) show beneficial aftereffects. In this article I summarize the findings of an exploratory study to examine a small group process utilizing spiritual guidance and expressive arts for integrating NDE aftereffects. Eleven adult participants-four NDErs and seven non-NDErs-completed a pretest, initial posttest, and longitudinal posttest consisting of a revised version of the Omega Life Change Questionnaire (Rominger-LCQ) and the Human Spirituality Scale, as well as semistructured individual and group interviews. I also collected the expressive art participants created during sessions, photographed it, and used it to identify pictorial themes. Quantitative results included some significant differences and some nonsignificant trends indicating greater spirituality and life changes among NDErs compared to non-NDErs and, for all participants, from pre-to posttest. Qualitative interview material revealed participants had learned material on a number of topics including a broader understanding of, and ability to communicate about, the NDE. Qualitative pictorial data revealed themes suggesting that both NDErs and non-NDErs had integrated positive aftereffects. The process described herein may benefit spiritual guides and directors, expressive art therapists, and therapists working with individuals who have had an NDE or other spiritually transformative experience. I also discuss methodological benefits of using artistic inquiry.

Near-Death Experiences, Post-Traumatic Stress, and Supernormal Abilities in a Latin American Sample

“…Regarding attitudes towards life, others, and themselves, most of our participants reported significant changes, such as an increase in the level of optimism, the desire to help other people, and a propensity to carry out actions aimed at fulfilling their goals and dreams, as well as an improvement in the way they relate to and communicate with other people. Similar results have been found in studies with American (Ring, 1984;Rominger, 2009), Dutch (van Lommel et al, 2001), and Australian (Sutherland, 1992) NDErs. However, unlike the researchers who conducted these other studies, we included a relatively small number of questions related to changes in beliefs and attitudes.…”

Near-Death Experiences, Post-Traumatic Stress, and Supernormal Abilities in a Latin American Sample

“…Regarding attitudes towards life, others, and themselves, most of our participants reported significant changes, such as an increase in the level of optimism, the desire to help other people, and a propensity to carry out actions aimed at fulfilling their goals and dreams, as well as an improvement in the way they relate to and communicate with other people. Similar results have been found in studies with American (Ring, 1984;Rominger, 2009), Dutch (van Lommel et al, 2001), and Australian (Sutherland, 1992) NDErs. However, unlike the researchers who conducted these other studies, we included a relatively small number of questions related to changes in beliefs and attitudes.…”

Near-Death Experiences, Post-Traumatic Stress, and Supernormal Abilities in a Latin American Sample

“…Regarding attitudes towards life, others, and themselves, most of our participants reported significant changes, such as an increase in the level of optimism, the desire to help other people, and a propensity to carry out actions aimed at fulfilling their goals and dreams, as well as an improvement in the way they relate to and communicate with other people. Similar results have been found in studies with American (Ring, 1984;Rominger, 2009), Dutch (van Lommel et al, 2001), and Australian (Sutherland, 1992) NDErs. However, unlike the researchers who conducted these other studies, we included a relatively small number of questions related to changes in beliefs and attitudes.…”

Near-Death Experiences, Post-Traumatic Stress, and Supernormal Abilities in a Latin American Sample

“…Regarding attitudes towards life, others, and themselves, most of our participants reported significant changes, such as an increase in the level of optimism, the desire to help other people, and a propensity to carry out actions aimed at fulfilling their goals and dreams, as well as an improvement in the way they relate to and communicate with other people. Similar results have been found in studies with American (Ring, 1984;Rominger, 2009), Dutch (van Lommel et al, 2001), and Australian (Sutherland, 1992) NDErs. However, unlike the researchers who conducted these other studies, we included a relatively small number of questions related to changes in beliefs and attitudes.…”