The evolving self: finding meaning in near-death experiences using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Near-death experiences (NDEs) are increasingly studied, but most research takes a nomothetic approach, focusing on general patterns. This study used interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore how three women made sense of their NDEs and the after-effects. Rather than uniformly leading to personal and spiritual growth, individuals selectively incorporate elements that are most personally meaningful. The integration of the experience is shaped by physical and psychological factors at the time of the NDE, and the experience can challenge a person's sense of self, affecting how they maintain and develop their identity in the years afterward.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Near-death experiences (NDEs) have become a topic of increasing interest to medical and psychological researchers over the last 35 years. During the course of this research agenda, several studies have focused on the phenomenology of the experience and its after-effects, mostly from a nomothetic stance. The aim of this study was to investigate the experience of having an NDE and what meaning NDErs attribute to that experience and its resultant after-effects by taking an idiographic, phenomenological approach. Three female participants took part in recorded face-to-face, semi-structured interviews. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis found that to more deeply understand the impact of NDEs it is crucial to consider how the experience fits within the biographical context of an individual's life. Rather than being an overall influence on personal and spiritual growth, individuals may choose elements of an experience which are most personally meaningful for them and take that into their later lives. Each participant in some way came to a new understanding in their lives as a result of their NDE. In addition, the process of integration was helped or hindered by physical and psychological factors concomitant at the time of the NDE. Also evident were the challenges the NDE, or elements therein, have on the individual's sense of self and how they maintain and develop that self in the years succeeding the event.