Childhood near-death experiences and psychotherapy

Building upon evidence that childhood near-death experience (NDE) is a phenomenon experienced by 8 million Americans (Gallup & Proctor, 1982), this study examined the role of psychotherapy and its ability to help adults integrate their NDE. The study examines the psychological well-being of adults who had NDE as children and the correlation between psychological integration of the event with having participated in psychotherapy. Psychological theories, ethical guidelines for designing psychological instruments and interventions for NDE assessment, and integration were reviewed. A Sandtray Spirituality Checklist was introduced to assess spirituality with childhood NDErs. It is suggested future research evaluate the efficacy of this assessment tool. Adult participants who had NDE between pre-birth to age 17 completed a survey, which included The Greyson NDE Scale©, 1983, Childhood NDE and Psychotherapy Survey©, 2009, designed by the researcher, Jenny Moores, and Measuring Subjective and Psychological Well-Being Scales designed by Pavot and Biswas-Diener©, May 26, 2008. Results show a correlation between psychological integration of childhood NDE and greater positive emotions as well as fewer negative feelings. Even though there was a low correlation between successful psychotherapy and psychological integration, 73% of the participants in this study, who had psychotherapy, reported it was minimally beneficial. Adult childhood NDErs (83%) integrated their NDE without the assistance of successful therapy. It is hoped the results of this study will bring awareness to the mental health field about the importance of trainings to design effective treatment plans that enhance psychological integration of NDE.