The Effect of Near-Death Experience on Well-Being and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among Near-Death Victims in Polokwane, South Africa

Abstract

Due to several occurrences of high rate of motor accident, high rate of parasuicide and domestic violence, this study aim to investigate the implication of these incidences on the victims’ well-being. And also to explore the effect of near death experience and the development of Posttraumatic Stress disorder, using general health questionnaire (GHQ – 28), Near-death Experience scale (NDE) and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist – Civilian version (PCL – C). The objectives of the study are to compare well-being of those who have experienced NDE and those who have not experience NDE. Also to find out whether people who have experienced near-death events suffer Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. To further investigate whether age groups would influence psychological well-being of victim’s report of near-death experience. The interview was made using a questionnaire, data were collected from one hundred and seventy two respondents Male 70 (40.5%), Female 80 (46.2%), with a mean age of 32.73 years and standard deviation of 13.63, participated in this study, 77 (44.5%) who came close with death but without near-death experiences, and 95 (54.9%) who reported near-death experience. There were three categories of age group: 24 (13.9%) were below 20, those from 21-30 year where 85 (48.1%) and those 31 above 60 (34.7%). 43 (24.9%) participants were married, 101(58.4%) were single and 19 (11.0%) had dysfunctional marriages (divorced and widow). The victims who score of 7 and above were categorized as near-death experience and those who score below as non-experiencer. Result (Hypothesis 1) showed a higher score on PCL-C (X-bar = 22.77, SD = 14.12) and non victims (X-bar = 10.95, SD = 12.31), with high significant of PTSD, F(1,169) = 33.16, P < .0001. The second hypothesis showed a higher score on GHQ 28 (X-bar = 28.38) among near-death victims than the non-victims (X-bar = 22.48), with psychological well-being (P<.001, F(1,166) =12.092). The third hypothesis showed no age differences on the well-being of the near-death victims. Recommendation included that there should be psychological intervention available for the victims of near-death experience before they are discharged from the hospital and follow-up appointment should be given when discharged.