'Out-of-body' research could lead to new ways to promote social harmony

Out-of-body experiences, including near-death experiences, may increase empathy and help people connect with others, according to research highlighted by University of Virginia School of Medicine. The proposed mechanism centers on ego dissolution, where the loss of a stable sense of self can produce feelings of interconnectedness. Researchers note that this shift can persist after the experience and may translate into prosocial behavior such as more compassion, patience, and more peaceful relationships. The work also frames altered states of consciousness as relevant to social harmony during periods of societal division, suggesting that understanding how empathy increases in these states could inform methods for cultivating empathy more broadly. The research mentions hallucinogenic drugs as one possible cause of ego dissolution, though the highlighted summary focuses on OBEs as the core context.