- Virtual reality simulates a near-death experience for participants.
- Students used headsets and moved through three stages.
- The short session gave an out-of-body feeling to people.
- Participants travelled through light and saw memory flashbacks.
- They arrived at a calm landscape they could not cross.
- After the session many felt less fear of death.
- A few people reported more anxiety after it.
- Researchers plan more study with different groups later.
- Many thought more about family and life.
- The VR method may help some people.
Difficult words
- virtual reality — Computer-created world people see with headsets
- simulate — Create a similar experience or eventsimulates
- near-death experience — A feeling like you almost die
- participant — A person who takes part in an activityparticipants
- out-of-body — A feeling you are outside your own body
- anxiety — Strong worry or nervous feeling
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you try this virtual reality session?
- Who would you tell about this experience?
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