near-death experience; self-defining memory; centrality of event
Abstract :
[en] Introduction. Memories of near-death experiences (NDEs) are characterized by a rich phenomenology and appear to be firmly anchored. It has been proposed that this phenomenology could be explained by the significance of NDEs for personal identity; however, the centrality of this event to individuals’ (so-called “experiencers”) lives and identities remains unexplored.
Objectives. Given the significance and consequentiality of NDEs, this study aimed at determining whether memories of NDEs could be considered as a particular type of autobiographical memories, referred to as “Self-Defining Memories” (SDMs), which are central to one’s self-understanding. Furthermore, we intended to explore if NDEs memories are more central to experiencers’ identities and life stories as compared to other SDMs.
Methods. We recruited 47 volunteers who had experienced a NDE (identified using the Greyson NDE scale) in a life threatening situation. Volunteers were invited to complete a task asking to describe two SDMs and, for each of them, they completed the Centrality of Event Scale (CES).
Results. The majority of volunteers (60%) recalled their NDE among the reported SDMs. The memory of the NDE scored significantly higher on the CES as compared to the other SDM, showing that this experience was considered as being particularly central to their identity. Furthermore, we found that volunteers who described more intense NDEs memories also considered them as more central to their identities.
Conclusions. The self-defining status of NDEs memories confirms that they are central to experiencers’ identities and highlights the importance for clinicians to facilitate their integration within the self.
Disciplines :
Neurology
Author, co-author :
Cassol, Helena ; Université de Liège - ULiège > GIGA : Coma Group
D'Argembeau, Arnaud ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de Psychologie > Département de Psychologie
This website uses cookies to improve user experience. Read more
Save & Close
Accept all
Decline all
Show detailsHide details
Cookie declaration
About cookies
Strictly necessary
Performance
Strictly necessary cookies allow core website functionality such as user login and account management. The website cannot be used properly without strictly necessary cookies.
This cookie is used by Cookie-Script.com service to remember visitor cookie consent preferences. It is necessary for Cookie-Script.com cookie banner to work properly.
Performance cookies are used to see how visitors use the website, eg. analytics cookies. Those cookies cannot be used to directly identify a certain visitor.
Used to store the attribution information, the referrer initially used to visit the website
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer by websites that you visit. Websites use cookies to help users navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. Cookies that are required for the website to operate properly are allowed to be set without your permission. All other cookies need to be approved before they can be set in the browser.
You can change your consent to cookie usage at any time on our Privacy Policy page.