A new research study has revealed a compelling link between out-of-body experiences and elevated rates of mental health symptoms and psychological trauma, deepening scientific understanding of this mysterious phenomenon and raising crucial questions for the Thai mental health community. The findings, originally reported in PsyPost, highlight the need for greater awareness and nuanced care for individuals reporting such experiences, which have long captured the human imagination but remain poorly understood in clinical settings.
Out-of-body experiences (OBEs)—occasions where people feel as if they are observing their own bodies from an external perspective—are often described in religious, spiritual, and near-death narratives around the world, including Thailand. While some interpret these episodes as mystical, science has increasingly sought to explain them through the lens of neuroscience and psychology. This latest study, conducted by a team of international researchers and recently published in a peer-reviewed journal, systematically surveyed individuals reporting OBEs and discovered that these people tend to score higher on measures of anxiety, depression, dissociation, and exposure to traumatic events compared to those who have never had such experiences.
Experts suggest that OBEs can sometimes be triggered by physical exhaustion, extreme stress, neurological conditions, or even certain substances. In Thailand, OBEs are often framed within Buddhist concepts of consciousness and spiritual journeys, but medical professionals caution that these experiences warrant thoughtful psychological evaluation, especially if they are frequent or distressing. According to a psychiatrist at Siriraj Hospital, “It is essential to distinguish between culturally meaningful spiritual experiences and symptoms that might indicate underlying mental health issues. In a clinical context, we look for the broader pattern—frequency, accompanying symptoms, and the individual’s personal distress.”
The study’s key findings are striking: participants who reported OBEs were significantly more likely to have experienced childhood or adult trauma and more likely to report a range of mental health symptoms, including post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and dissociative episodes. These findings echo previous international research showing strong associations between dissociative phenomena—including depersonalization, derealization, and OBEs—and histories of psychological trauma. Neurologists point out that OBEs sometimes accompany seizures, migraine auras, or sensory disturbances, but the new study strengthens the argument for viewing OBEs as important psychological signals, not just neurological curiosities. A neuropsychologist at Chulalongkorn University notes, “For patients in Thailand, openly describing OBEs can be challenging due to stigma or fear of appearing ‘crazy.’ Yet these discussions help us identify individuals who may need additional support or trauma-informed care.”
The study utilized confidential surveys and standardized clinical scales to collect data from hundreds of participants, ensuring robust statistical analysis. It found that while OBEs are not inherently pathological—and many people who have them lead healthy, balanced lives—they are much more common among people living with unresolved trauma or mental health conditions. This raises important considerations for Thailand, where mental health awareness is growing but stigma and access barriers persist. According to a survey by the Department of Mental Health, over half of Thais who experience symptoms of mental distress do not seek help, often due to cultural attitudes or lack of accessible services.
From a cultural perspective, many Thais who have out-of-body experiences may reinterpret them through Buddhist doctrines of reincarnation, meditation, or visions of past lives. While mainstream Thai culture is generally tolerant of supernatural and spiritual phenomena, mental health professionals emphasize the risk of overlooking medical or psychological red flags. The president of the Psychiatric Association of Thailand states, “We respect cultural interpretations, but also advise families and communities to be alert for signs of anxiety, depression, or trauma in individuals who frequently describe OBEs. Early recognition can help prevent worsening mental health.”
Globally, research into OBEs is intensifying, with scientists exploring the brain networks involved in self-perception and body awareness. Some neuroscientists have experimentally induced OBE-like sensations in laboratory settings by manipulating sensory signals, revealing the intricate interplay between the mind and body. However, this latest study revolved around real-world experiences and their psychological correlates, reinforcing the notion that personal history and trauma are central to understanding why some people are more prone to OBEs.
In Thailand, the findings have significance for a range of healthcare and educational professionals. Teachers, social workers, and religious leaders are often the first to hear about such experiences, especially from children or teenagers. Mental health advocates stress the importance of training community gatekeepers to recognize when these accounts may suggest underlying distress. Furthermore, as Thailand sets ambitious goals for improving mental health access under the Universal Coverage Scheme, integrating trauma-informed care and psychoeducation regarding dissociative experiences will be crucial. The study’s results could be used to update mental health guidelines, provide resources for families, and encourage open, stigma-free discussions.
Looking ahead, the researchers encourage further local studies in Thailand to explore the cultural, spiritual, and clinical dimensions of OBEs in greater depth. Importantly, this research underscores that out-of-body experiences should not automatically be pathologized nor romanticized; instead, they are valuable signals that warrant compassionate listening, holistic understanding, and careful support when associated with psychological distress.
For Thai readers, the practical takeaway is to approach reports of OBEs—whether in oneself or loved ones—with both cultural sensitivity and mental health awareness. If you or someone you know is experiencing frequent OBEs alongside symptoms of anxiety, depression, or trauma, reaching out to a qualified mental health professional is strongly recommended. Community education efforts can help demystify these experiences, reduce stigma, and ensure that those in need receive timely and effective care.
For further information, consult the original study summary and consider resources provided by the Department of Mental Health Thailand, as well as leading academic hospitals and counseling centers nationwide.