Understanding the Aftermath of Near-Death Experiences
Near-death experiences (NDEs) can be transformative, altering how people view themselves, others, and the world around them. A recent study from the University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine’s Division of Perceptual Studies (DOPS) sheds light on how to better support individuals grappling with these profound shifts. While many NDEs lead to a renewed sense of purpose and interconnectedness, a meaningful minority struggle to integrate the experience with beliefs, values, and daily life.
Led by Marieta Pehlivanova, PhD, the UVA team set out to identify what kinds of professional help and community support most effectively assist near-death experiencers. The research is among the first to systematically examine the types of counseling and social resources that correlate with perceived benefit, and it translates decades of observational data into actionable guidance for clinicians and caregivers.
What the Research Measured
The study surveyed 167 individuals who had experienced an NDE and asked them to report the kinds of support they sought, how helpful they found those supports, and which factors predicted help-seeking. The researchers also examined demographic and experiential variables to understand why some individuals pursued assistance more than others.
Key findings show that over half of participants (64%) pursued some form of help after their NDE, and among those, 78% found the support beneficial. The intensity of the NDE itself was a strong predictor of help-seeking, with more dramatic experiences prompting more outreach. Individuals with a history of psychological difficulties were more likely to seek support, underscoring the role of preexisting mental health status in navigating post-NDE adjustments.
What Makes Support Effective?
A central and consistent theme across the findings is the importance of acceptance and validation. Many experiencers hesitate to seek help for fear of stigma or being dismissed as “crazy.” Those who disclosed their experiences to a supportive, nonjudgmental audience reported more positive views of the overall assistance they received. The message is clear: the first reaction matters and can shape the trajectory of an individual’s coping process.
Age and childhood environment also played a role in perceived helpfulness. Older participants and those who described their childhood as happy tended to report greater resilience, which in turn influenced how they assessed the support received. Additionally, participants who found resources through groups or online communities that are knowledgeable about NDEs tended to rate the help as more beneficial, illustrating the value of specialized peer networks.
Implications for Clinicians and Caregivers
The UVA study raises important questions about the role of mental-health professionals in NDE care. Interestingly, support from mental-health clinicians was linked to lower perceived helpfulness. The researchers caution this may reflect a shortage of clinicians specifically trained to address the nuances of near-death experiences. It suggests a need for targeted education and training in NDE-informed care to bridge the gap between clinical expertise and experiential understanding.
Pehlivanova emphasizes a broader vision for holistic care: “In a new era of patient-centered medicine, it is crucial for healthcare providers to recognize and address the unique needs of near-death experiencers.” This includes validating experiences, supporting value integration, and guiding individuals toward community resources that foster understanding rather than judgment.
What This Means for the Future
The study, published in Psychology of Consciousness: Theory, Research and Practice (open access), contributes to a growing body of work from UVA’s Division of Perceptual Studies, an international leader in exploring anomalous experiences and consciousness. By identifying practical, reachable steps for support, the research aims to equip clinicians, counselors, and care teams with strategies that meet experiencers where they are—emotionally, cognitively, and socially.
As near-death research expands, Pehlivanova and colleagues hope other researchers and clinicians will take up the call to develop and disseminate education on NDE-aware care. The ultimate goal is to reduce barriers to seeking help, promote validating conversations, and ensure that individuals who have had NDEs can navigate life after the experience with dignity and clarity.
About UVA’s Division of Perceptual Studies
Founded in 1967, UVA’s DOPS is a leading university-based program dedicated to rigorous, evidence-based exploration of consciousness and extraordinary human experiences. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, neuroimaging, and open-access dissemination, DOPS advances our understanding of phenomena that challenge conventional scientific paradigms and seeks to inform practical, compassionate care for those touched by such experiences.
