Out-of-body experiences, such as near-death experiences, have been found to have a transformative effect on individuals’ ability to experience empathy and connect with others, according to researchers from the University of Virginia School of Medicine. The study, led by neuroscientist Marina Weiler, PhD, explores the relationship between altered states of consciousness and empathy, and suggests that these experiences could lead to new ways to foster empathy during a time of societal fragmentation. Empathy is seen as a fundamental aspect of human interaction that allows for deep connections, trust, and understanding.
Weiler’s paper delves into the idea that the increased levels of empathy observed in individuals who have had out-of-body experiences may be a result of “ego dissolution” – the loss of the sense of self. During these experiences, people feel disconnected from their physical bodies and feel a deeper connection with the universe. This state, also known as “ego death” or “ego loss,” can be induced by near-death experiences, hallucinogenic drugs, and other factors, leading participants to report a drastic shift in their perception of the world and their place in it.
The detachment from the physical body in out-of-body experiences often results in a sense of interconnectedness with all life and a heightened emotional connection with others. These feelings of interconnectedness can persist beyond the experience itself, reshaping an individual’s perception and fostering increased empathy, which can influence personal relationships and contribute to societal harmony. Participants in studies on out-of-body experiences have reported becoming more compassionate, patient, and understanding, with more peaceful and harmonious relationships with others.
The researchers note that out-of-body experiences can feel more real than reality itself, and this transcendental connectedness can lead to prosocial behaviors after the experience. Participants often exhibit behaviors such as increased compassion, patience, and understanding, as well as a greater spiritual belief and a stronger conviction in the possibility of life after death. While the exact mechanisms within the brain responsible for these changes remain unclear, the lasting effects of out-of-body experiences on empathy are undeniable.
According to Weiler and her co-authors, understanding how out-of-body experiences can enhance empathy may offer insights into how to foster empathy for the benefit of society during times of conflict. The researchers suggest that the exploration, refinement, and application of methods to enhance empathy in individuals, whether through out-of-body experiences or other approaches, could have profound implications for individuals and society as a whole. Interest in cultivating empathy and other prosocial emotions and behaviors is widespread, and understanding how virtues related to consideration for others can be nurtured could have personal, societal, and global implications.
