A recent study conducted by the University of Virginia School of Medicine, published in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviewshas shown that out-of-body experiences (OBEs) can significantly increase empathy and emotional connection.
Dr. Marina Weiler, a neuroscientist in UVA’s Division of Perceptual Studies and lead author, explained that OBEs can cause profound psychological transformations, fostering a deeper sense of understanding and compassion.
“Empathy is a fundamental aspect of human interaction that allows individuals to connect deeply with others, fostering trust and understanding,” Weiler said.
Out-of-body experiences, where a person feels like they are outside their physical body, can have various causes, such as sensory deprivation, hypnosis, or even spontaneously in critical situations.
Although they are often linked to religious or supernatural events, Weiler and her colleagues’ research frames these experiences within a scientific context, underscoring their psychological and neurological significance.
Central to the research is the concept of ‘ego dissolution’, a condition in which a person’s sense of individuality weakens, leading to a greater connection to the world. Researchers suggest that OBEs stimulate brain regions such as the temporoparietal junction and the default mode network, which can strengthen empathy and compassion.
“We propose that out-of-body experiences can bring about these profound changes through the process of ego dissolution,” the researchers said declarednoting that these changes can have lasting effects on individuals’ behavior and the way they perceive others.
The study’s conclusions are supported by numerous first-hand accounts. One participant described her out-of-body experience as wrapped in “100% unconditional love,” which fundamentally changed her worldview and inspired deep compassion.
According to the study, 55% of participants who experienced an OBE reported life-changing changes, while 71% noted long-term benefits.
These findings suggest that OBEs can be used to promote empathy and social cohesion. Dr. Weiler and her team believe that understanding the mechanisms behind OBEs could pave the way for therapeutic applications aimed at increasing empathy, with broad societal implications.
Experts argue that studying altered states of consciousness such as OBEs can provide valuable insights for promoting empathy in modern society. However, the researchers emphasize that further research is needed to fully understand the effects of OBEs and the neurobiological processes involved.
