Factors Related to the Depth of Near-Death Experiences: Testing the “Embellishment over Time” Hypothesis

Abstract

In this article we explore the correlation of several variables with the depth of the near-death experience (NDE) as measured by Ring's Weighted Core Experience Index (WCEI). For this purpose we analyzed fifty-one NDE cases presented by Sutherland in tabular form in her book Reborn in the Light [1]. To test for the possibility that older cases are embellished as time goes on we predicted that we would find a positive correlation between the WCEI and the time elapsed between the experience and Sutherland's interview. Other exploratory analyses attempted to relate the WCEI to sex, age at the time of the experience and at the time of the interview, and type of medical crisis during which the experience took place. None of the analyses conducted obtained significant results. There was a non-significant trend for surgical NDE cases to have higher scores in the WCEI than other conditions.