Memories of near-death experiences: Are they self-defining?

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.