A survey of near-death experiences in Brazil: Exploring socio-demographic characteristics and the relationship to psychopathology and mystical experiences
Type de matériel :
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We present the results of a survey investigating the percentage of near-death experiences (NDEs) in a Brazilian sample, and their relationship to socio-demographic characteristics, psychopathology, and mystical experiences. A total of 350 participants (80.3 percent female, mean age = 37.43, SD = 12.80, minimum = 18, maximum = 81) completed an online survey on the psychological consequences of life-threatening events, which included Greyson’s NDE scale and the Hood’s Mysticism Scale (or M-Scale). Respondents were divided into three groups: 1) those who did not report a significant life-threatening event, 2) those who reported a life-threatening situation but did not score 7 or higher on the NDE scale, and 3) those who both reported a life-threatening event and scored 7 or higher on the NDE scale. Only 14 percent of the sample met the criteria for an NDE. NDErs scored significantly higher on the introvertive mysticism factor of the M-Scale when compared to the other groups, but no difference was found for the other factors and the total score. However, no significant correlation between scores on the NDE scale and M-Scale could be established. NDErs were significantly older than subjects in the other groups, as well as more religious or spiritual. No difference was found for the other demographic variables and psychopathology. The results point to some possible characteristics of Brazilians who have experienced an NDE. We hope the present investigation will contribute to the available cross-cultural literature on mystical and near-death experiences.
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