#Dissociation

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.

A new international study reveals that people who report out-of-body experiences (OBEs) tend to show higher levels of anxiety, depression, dissociation, and exposure to trauma. The research adds depth to our understanding of OBEs and highlights important considerations for mental health services in Thailand.

OBEs are experiences where individuals feel they are observing their own bodies from an external perspective. While some interpret these episodes as spiritual or mystical, scientists are increasingly examining them through neuroscience and psychology. The latest study, published in a peer-reviewed journal, surveyed people who report OBEs and found they are more likely to report mental health symptoms and trauma than those who have not had such experiences.