In Western countries, are there any characteristics of individuals that predispose them to have NDEs during a life-threatening event? Are there any characteristics of near-death experiencers (NDErs) that modifies significantly the content of their NDEs? Answers to these important questions are vital in the quest to better understand NDEs. In this presentation, Dr. Jeffrey Long and Dr. Jason MacLurg review 30 years of research into the characteristics of NDErs from Western countries to examine how culture, personal characteristics and belief systems might affect the incidence and content of NDEs. This is a critical aspect of NDE research if we are to understand the elements of the experience, including what appear to be symbolic motifs and unusual sensory experiences that are part of many accounts.
