Even with the many disagreements regarding the NDE and its etiology, there is consensus that NDEs have profound effects upon the lives of most of those having the experience. According to P. M. Atwater (Johnson, 1990)

1. NDEs have profound effects upon the lives of most of
Even if they have attempted suicide those having the experience
Near Death Experience
Do not try to bring about an end to their lives to return 65 percent of individuals who have had an NDE Make significant changes in their lives
to the “life beyond Individuals who have had NDEs
10 percent Make radical changes
Most individuals find new reasons for living as a result
People report that they no longer fear the obliteration
of these experiences 1. Loss of fear of death
of consciousness of self
Some people have difficulty adjusting to normal life,
An NDE can radically change people’s value structure.
especially those who undergo intensive changes in values 2. Sense of the importance of love
They see the importance of brotherly love
that disrupt their former lifestyle 9. Reentry syndrome
People feel that everything in the universe is connected
Some people report developing psychic abilities that can
be scary to them and/or family and friends 3. Sense of cosmic connection
Aftereffects of Near Death Experience Many have a newfound respect for nature and the world
around them
Some people feel more in control of life’s stresses and
8. Reduction in worries
are able to be more forgiving and patient People gain a newfound respect for knowledge, but not
self-gain
This leads to spiritual curiosity and abandoning of
7. A better-developed spiritual side 4. An appreciation of learning
religious doctrine purely for the sake of doctrine Many often will embark on new careers or take up
serious courses of study
Some people realize the shortness and fragility of their
6. A sense of urgency
lives People feel that they have more responsibility for the
5. A new feeling of control
course of their lives
Leming, M. R., & Dickinson, G. E. (2011). Understanding dying, death,
and bereavement (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning
© Ivan Staroversky - www.StarOverSky.com