‘Demons with pitchforks’ and ‘a feeling of bliss’ among most common near death experiences

Scientific research suggests that a near death experience is a phenomenon resulting from “disturbed bodily multi-sensory integration” that occurs during a life-threatening event. General features of one are said to include visions of deceased relatives and religious figures, as well as outer body experiences.

It is often wondered if science can explain what is felt before a near death experience, as for hundreds of years people have described “a white light coming towards them” – but it can involve other strange feelings too.

Chris French, head of the anomalistic psychology research unit at Goldsmiths, University of London, discussed the phenomenon.

He said: “Usually, the core experience is the feeling of peace and bliss, it’s like an out of body experience and entering another spiritual realm.

“Some may see deceased relatives and religious figures as well as themselves returning back to their body, but of course, it’s very rare to get someone who includes all the components in that order.”

According to Mr French, these experiences are not always positive and can actually be a terrifying ordeal.

He added: “The negative ones fall into three general categories, the first one is where the person is concerned and naturally terrified that they are dying, the second category is almost a stereotypical panto version of hell with demons and pitchforks.

“The third negative experience which I find the most chilling, is those that find themselves in a void all on their own in isolation, knowing that they’ll be there forever.”

Those who have a positive near death experience can become less materialistic, more spiritual and generally care more for other people and the environment.

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Mr French said: “They may find it difficult to put into words, and worry that people might think they’re crazy, when in fact, they’re quite clearly not. Now that they find themselves back in their ordinary mundane reality which can’t compare, there can also be relationship problems.

“There can be a high divorce rate with those who have had near death experiences, some may think they’re married to a saint, maybe they’ll sell the house and even give it to charity.”

Near death experiences can reduce the fear of death greatly, but if the experience is negative it can also increase the fear of it – with many people suffering PTSD symptoms after one.

Although more information on near death experiences is needed, it is clear that it varies from person to person and opinions remain very much mixed.

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