How humans process the extraordinary—most report positive long-term effects

A recent study suggests that most people who experience extraordinary phenomena report positive long-term effects, despite initial discomfort for some. Published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on August 5, 2026, the research was conducted by Ronald Fischer of Instituto D'Or de Pesquisa e Ensino in São Paulo, Brazil, and his team. The findings indicate that while one-quarter of participants initially felt distress, more than half described enduring benefits from their encounters with unusual occurrences such as out-of-body sensations, unexplained coincidences, or extrasensory perceptions. The study focused on how individuals interpret nonordinary experiences, whether they view them as spiritual, paranormal, or even pathological. These interpretations appear to significantly influence the psychological outcomes following such events. Fischer and his colleagues aimed to explore the relationship between the framing of these experiences and the subsequent emotional and mental states of the individuals involved. To ensure the reliability of their assessments, Fischer and his team first validated the Inventory of Nonordinary Experiences, a comprehensive tool designed to evaluate the multifaceted nature of these experiences. They tested the inventory with 160 Brazilian adults, refining its 38 core questions along with nine additional ones to achieve an understanding rate of at least 80%. This validation process ensured that the instrument could effectively capture the nuances of nonordinary experiences across different cultural and individual contexts. The final version of the inventory was then administered to a larger sample of 5,117 people from the general population. The responses revealed that nonordinary experiences are typically understood within familiar belief systems. Among the key findings were that 20% of participants reported negative impacts from their experiences, while 25% experienced some form of discomfort or distress. Conversely, 51% of the participants indicated that their extraordinary experiences led to positive long-term changes in their lives. Approximately 39% of the respondents recalled being alone during their nonordinary experiences, whereas 57% were awake and alert. Most participants attributed their experiences to random chance rather than any specific cause. Additionally, a majority believed they had some level of control over the situation, suggesting a sense of agency even in seemingly uncontrollable circumstances. Ronald Fischer emphasized that experiences such as sensing a presence, having visions, or experiencing an out-of-body sensation are more prevalent in the general population than previously thought. He noted that the majority of participants who reported such experiences did not exhibit signs of illness and often viewed them as either neutral or beneficial. These insights challenge existing assumptions about the relationship between nonordinary experiences and mental health. The study highlights the importance of how individuals assign meaning to their experiences. Fischer pointed out that prior research often conflated the actual event with the interpretation of it. His team’s approach, however, clearly separated the context, the experience itself, and the meaning-making process. This distinction allowed them to uncover patterns that contradict earlier theories and practices in psychology and psychiatry. Fischer stressed that acknowledging the potential for positive outcomes from nonordinary experiences is crucial for helping individuals understand and normalize these occurrences. He added that if someone feels that such experiences disrupt their daily life, professional assistance should be sought. The study aims to reduce stigma surrounding these experiences by showcasing the varied ways people perceive and cope with them. The research underscores the need for further exploration into how cultural backgrounds and personal beliefs shape the interpretation of extraordinary events. It also calls for greater awareness among healthcare professionals regarding the psychological implications of these experiences. As the field continues to evolve, future studies may build upon this foundation to better support individuals navigating the complex landscape of nonordinary experiences.