The fascinating work from UVA’s Marina Weiler, PhD, and colleagues august 2024

A new study shows that out-of-body experiences (OBEs), including near-death experiences, can dramatically increase empathy and transform how individuals connect with others. Researchers suggest this may result from “ego dissolution,” where individuals lose their sense of self and feel deeply connected to the universe.
The study highlights how these experiences foster prosocial behaviors like compassion, patience, and understanding. These findings open possibilities for developing methods to enhance empathy, a crucial trait in today’s fractured world.

Out-of-body experiences are often linked to supernatural, religious, or spiritual phenomena. However, they are also recognized within the scientific community, where cognitive science and psychology view them as dissociative events resulting from various psychological and neurological factors.
In this recent study, Dr. Weiler and a team of researchers from UVA’s Division of Perceptual Studies delved into the psychological and neurological mechanisms behind out-of-body experiences and the potential for them to transform people’s emotional landscapes.
According to researchers, the key to understanding the transformational potential of out-of-body experiences lies in the concept of “ego dissolution.” In this state, the sense of self becomes less distinct, allowing individuals to feel a deeper connection to the world around them.