Zaleski, C. (1990). Response to 'The luminous experience and the scientific method' by Oliver Nichelson. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 8(4) 207-209.

Abstract: Acknowledging the cultural shaping of near-death experiences makes possible a deeper and more sophisticated appreciation of their meaning and validity.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Science and NDEs
Spirituality and NDEs

Zaleski, C. G. (1987). Evaluating near-death testimony: A challenge for theology. Anabiosis - The Journal for Near-Death Studies, 5(2) 17-52.

Abstract: In nearly every culture, people have told stories of visionary journey to other worlds, in which an individual dies, enters the afterlife, and—by divine decree or medical prodigy—comes back to life. The return-from-death story has a long history in Western culture, developing within the apocalyptic traditions of late antiquity, flourishing in the medieval Christian vision narratives that inspired Dante’s Divine Comedy, and re-emerging today in reports of near-death experiences (NDEs). Evaluating the literature of NDEs is a task for historians of religion and theologians as well as psychologists. On the basis of a comparative study of medieval and contemporary accounts, this article proposes a nonreductionist interpretation, showing that it is possible to give credit to individual testimony while still taking into account the physiological, psychological, and cultural conditions that influence visionary experience in the face of death.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link:

Topics:
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Philosophical
Historical Perspectives on NDEs
Interpretations of NDEs
Language and NDEs
Religion and NDEs—Christianity
Religion and NDEs NOS
Spiritualism and NDEs

Zhi-ying, F., & Jian-xun, L. (1992). Near-death experiences among survivors of the 1976 Tangshan earthquake. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 11(1) 39-48.

Abstract: We interviewed 81 survivors of the severe earthquake in Tangshan in 1976 and found that 32 (40 percent) reported near-death experiences (NDEs) as measured by Greyson’s (1983) NDE Scale. The great majority of these NDEs were of the cognitive and transcendental types, and our observations were somewhat different from those of Greyson (1985) in the United States and of Pasricha and Stevenson (1986) in India. These differences suggest that the components, sequences, and types of NDE might differ with race, religion, psychological and cultural background, and kind of near-death event.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Death
Characteristics of NDErs—Age NOS
Characteristics of NDErs—Education Level
Characteristics of NDErs—Gender
Characteristics of NDErs—Occupation
Characteristics of NDErs NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Pleasurable
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Spiritual
Characteristics of NDEs—Life Review
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, ESP
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, Precognition
Characteristics of NDEs—Perception of Time
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Kinesthetic
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Smell
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory NOS
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Circumstances of NDEs—Accident
Circumstances of NDEs—Hospital
Cross-Cultural NDEs
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological NOS
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological

Staff (1948). Out-of-the-body experience. Journal of the Society for Psychical Research, 34() 206-211.

Abstract: No abstract.

Copyright:

Link:

Topics:
Accounts of NDEs—Autobiographical
Accounts of NDEs—Biographical, Cases
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Pleasurable
Characteristics of NDEs—Perception of Time
Circumstances of NDEs—Combat-Related
Circumstances of NDEs—Consciousness and Unconsciousness
Circumstances of NDEs—Hospital
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Disclosure of NDEs
Non-NDErs' Attitudes toward NDEs
Related Experiences—NDE-Like

Staff (1978). The experience of dying. Lancet, 1(8) 1347-1348.

Abstract: No abstract.

Copyright:

Link: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/01638343

Topics:
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Definition of NDEs
Disclosure of NDEs
Nearing Death and NDEs NOS

Staff (1978). Research on near death experiences. Parapsychology Review, 9(2) 17.

Abstract: No abstract.

Copyright:

Link:

Topics:
Methodology in NDE Research

Alvarado, C. S. (2005). Ernesto Bozzano on the phenomena of bilocation. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 23(4) 207-238.

Abstract: Italian psychical researcher Ernesto Bozzano (1862–1943) was a well-known student of parapsychological phenomena and a strong defender of the concept of survival of bodily death. This paper includes an excerpt of what Bozzano referred to as the phenomena of bilocation, a term he used for the phantom limb sensations experienced by amputees, autoscopy, out-of-body and near-death experiences (OBEs and NDEs), and a variety of luminous or cloud-like emanations that clairvoyants claimed left the body at the moment of death. He believed these phenomena indicated the existence of a subtle body capable of exteriorization during life as well as at the moment of death. I present Bozzano's ideas in the context of his career as a psychical researcher and of previous discussions of the topic found in the early literature of Spiritualism and psychical research. Although some contemporary students of OBEs and NDEs still speculate on the relationship of these phenomena to the concept of survival of death, Bozzano's work is not widely cited today and few researchers have followed up his method. Nonetheless, his work is of historical interest, reminding us of areas and phenomena that deserve further study.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Afterlife, Belief in
Historical Perspectives on NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research
Related Experiences NOS

Atwater, P. M. H. (2004). Beginnings and endings. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 23(1) 3-7.

Abstract: I began my career investigating near-death experiences (NDEs) in 1978, obeying the Voice I heard in my third NDE. A similar divine message told me my work was finished earlier this year. In the intervening 26 years, my passion for this work was relentless, maintained by an energy I was given in death. Among the lessons I learned in this work were that no one can validate an NDE except the experiencer; that it is the aftereffects that impart real meaning to the experience and give it greater impact, and that the “classical NDE model” that guides most near-death research can be limiting and misleading. The field of near-death studies needs to embrace other models and groups of professionals if it hopes to understand the near-death phenomenon.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Aftereffects of NDEs—Emotional
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Life
Aftereffects of NDEs—Sense of Self, Psychological and Physical
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, Precognition
Methodology in NDE Research

Baumann, T. L. (2005). The significance of light in the near-death experience. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 23(4) 197-205.

Abstract: Light has long been recognized as a principal characteristic of the near-death experience (NDE). However, its significance has been widely debated. This paper details the significance of light in the NDE, and it further suggests that science supports the contention that the light of the NDE represents the presence of a loving and concerned Creator. I cite well-established and celebrated physics experiments to support the argument that light exhibits supernatural – even conscious – qualities. The relationship of light to the NDE, quantum physics, and descriptions of God throughout the world's literature serve to illuminate the argument that God and the light may well be one and the same.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Science and NDEs
Spirituality and NDEs

Betty, L. S. (2004). Jung's synchronistic interpretation of near-death experience: An unnecessary mystification. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 22(4) 261-268.

Abstract: In his long essay on synchronicity, Carl Jung enlisted the help of a relatively complete but little known near-death experience (NDE) to illustrate his thesis. This NDE was not the famous one he himself had in 1944, but one related to him by a patient. It contained all four of Bruce Greyson's NDE components, most notably the paranormal. Jung regarded the patient's experience as a good example of synchronicity, by which he meant “the simultaneous occurrence of a certain psychic state with one or more external events.” What is remarkable, and problematical, about his view of synchronicity was that it was acausal. I develop and defend an alternative epistemology involving causality: While paranormal knowledge is hard to explain, there is no good reason to remove it from cause-and-effect discourse. I close by speculating why Jung chose to conceive of sychronicity [sic] in a manner so mystifying.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Explanations of NDEs—Parapsychological
Science and NDEs
Theories, NDE-Related, Psychological—Jung

Bonenfant, R. J. (2004). A comparative study of near-death experience and non-near-death experience outcomes in 56 survivors of clinical death. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 22(3) 155-178.

Abstract: The objective of the study was to determine whether non-near-death experiencers (nonNDErs) expressed aftereffects similar to those reported by near-death experiencers (NDErs). I divided 56 survivors of near-death events into two groups. The first group, consisting of 40 persons (71 percent) who reported extraordinary experiences during their near-death events, I designated the near-death experiencers (NDErs). The second group, consisting of 16 persons who retained no recall of what transpired during their near-death events, I designated the nonNDErs. I administered to both groups a questionnaire designed to identify behavioral changes and aftereffects commonly reported by NDErs, and subjected the findings to chi-square analyses to determine whether observed differences between the two groups were statistically significant. Results indicated that nonNDErs do report some NDE-like changes and aftereffects following their near-death events. However, I found these effects to be less prevalent in nonNDErs, and found statistically significant differences between the two groups in spiritual and paranormal measures. I also found a significant positive correlation between duration of near-death event and sensory confusion in NDErs. In addition, I found a new physiological effect, spine tingling, to be significantly associated with NDEs. Finally, NDErs reported that behavioral changes and aftereffects initiated by their near-death experiences not only were persistent but often increased with the passage of time.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Accounts of NDEs—Autobiographical
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Death
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Life
Aftereffects of NDEs—Paranormal Phenomena
Aftereffects of NDEs—Physical Changes
Aftereffects of NDEs—Religion
Aftereffects of NDEs—Sense of Self, Psychological and Physical
Aftereffects of NDEs NOS
Afterlife, Belief in
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Adults
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Children and Adolescents
Characteristics of NDErs—Education Level
Characteristics of NDErs—Gender
Characteristics of NDErs—Marital Status
Characteristics of NDErs—Religious Affiliations
Characteristics of NDErs—Socioeconomic Status
Characteristics of NDErs NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Distressing
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Pleasurable
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Spiritual
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Life Review
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Characteristics of NDEs—Otherworldly Environments
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, ESP
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, Precognition
Characteristics of NDEs—Perception of Time
Characteristics of NDEs—Return, Involuntary
Characteristics of NDEs—Return, Voluntary
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Kinesthetic
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Smell
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Sound, Hearing
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Vision
Characteristics of NDEs—Tunnel Experiences
Circumstances of NDEs—Accident
Circumstances of NDEs—Hospital
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Dreams and NDEs
Kundalini and NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research
Reincarnation and NDEs

Carmen, A. A. (2004). Superjective ontology: A post-Cartesian tool for the near-death experience. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 23(1) 9-39.

Abstract: This study questions the validity of subjective and objective categories, and suggests a new approach, which I call “superjective ontology,” as a tool for resolving archaic difficulties. In the first section, I present evidence that a deeply ingrained problem of “ontological disparity” really does exist, along with the extent to which this conditions our thought patterns. I then summarize monism and dualism, and present the core thesis advancing the argument from superjective ontology. Finally, I suggest evidence that might be sought for the core thesis, with special emphasis on the near-death experience.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Altered States and NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Parapsychological
Explanations of NDEs—Philosophical
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Methodology in NDE Research
Related Experiences—UFO
Science and NDEs

Colli, J. E., & Beck, T. E. (2003). Recovery from bulimia nervosa through near-death experience: A case study. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 22(1) 33-55.

Abstract: We present one woman’s story as a paradigmatic healing process that illustrates an attempted suicide, her near-death experience (NDE), and subsequent recovery from bulimia nervosa. Complex posttraumatic stress disorder resulting from childhood sexual abuse provides the most cogent framework for understanding her initial shattering loss of “self,” and her subsequent attempts to re-invent herself and to regulate feeling states through bulimia. Her recall of her NDE through regressive hypnosis adds another dimension to her recovery process, and highlights the single most important factor that helped her heal. We see her NDE’s teaching about the freedom and responsibility of choice as crucial to her recovery, and we make a case for increased awareness and study of NDEs occurring in the context of eating disorders. Finally, we give consideration to problems inherent in retrospective recollections and recovered memories through hypnotic regression.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Accounts of NDEs—Autobiographical
Aftereffects of NDEs—Emotional
Aftereffects of NDEs—Sense of Self, Psychological and Physical
Altered States and NDEs
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Children and Adolescents
Characteristics of NDErs—Psychological Profile
Characteristics of NDErs—Trauma and Abuse
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Pleasurable
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Otherworldly Environments
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Kinesthetic
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Sound, Hearing
Circumstances of NDEs—Hospital
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Circumstances of NDEs—Suicide
Counseling NDErs
Disclosure of NDEs
Healing and NDEs—Psychological
Hypnosis and NDEs
Language and NDEs
Mental Processes and NDEs
Psychopathology and NDEs NOS
Spirituality and NDEs

Enright, R. (2004). Silent journey: The discovery of the near-death experience of a nonverbal adolescent. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 22(3) 195-208.

Abstract: This article relates the story of a boy who had a near-death experience at the age of 8, but who, because brain trauma left him quadriplegic and nonverbal, was unable to talk about his experience until I discovered it serendipitously 6 years later. Being able to tell his story and have his experience validated brought about significant changes in his emotional state, helped return personal control over his life, and ultimately led to his peaceful and fulfilling death.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Accounts of NDEs—Autobiographical
Aftereffects of NDEs—Cognitive
Aftereffects of NDEs—Emotional
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Death
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Life
Aftereffects of NDEs—Out-of-Body Experiences
Aftereffects of NDEs—Paranormal Phenomena
Aftereffects of NDEs—Physical Changes
Aftereffects of NDEs—Sense of Self, Psychological and Physical
Aftereffects of NDEs NOS
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Children and Adolescents
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, ESP
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, Precognition
Characteristics of NDEs—Return, Involuntary
Characteristics of NDEs—Tunnel Experiences
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Circumstances of NDEs—Hospital
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Counseling NDErs
Disabilities and NDEs
Disclosure of NDEs
Education about NDEs
Healing and NDEs—Psychological
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Medical
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Psychological
Non-NDErs' Attitude Change after Learning about NDEs

Fenwick, P. (2005). Science and spirituality: A challenge for the 21st century [The Bruce Greyson lecture from the International Association for Near-Death Studies 2004 annual conference]. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 23(3) 131-157.

Abstract: Spirituality is increasingly acknowledged in medicine as a legitimate topic of instruction and focus of research. I highlight some findings of my own and others’ retrospective research on near-death experiences (NDEs), review recent prospective research by myself and others, and describe veridical perception research I plan to undertake. After reviewing findings regarding approaching-death experiences and their relationship to NDEs, I assert my current perspective on the relationship between mind and brain and explain the impact that empirical support for that perspective will have on both science and humanity.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Accounts of NDEs—Autobiographical
Accounts of NDEs—Biographical, Cases
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Life
Aftereffects of NDEs NOS
Altered States and NDEs
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Adults
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Children and Adolescents
Characteristics of NDErs—Occupation
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Pleasurable
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Spiritual
Circumstances of NDEs—Consciousness and Unconsciousness
Circumstances of NDEs—Hospital
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Interpretations of NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research
Nearing Death and NDEs—Deathbed Visions
Psychopathology and NDEs—Hallucinations
Science and NDEs
Spirituality and NDEs
Veridical Perception during NDEs

Gibbs, J. C. (2005). Reply to Michael Sabom's commentary. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 24(2) 105-107.

Abstract: In his commentary, Michael Sabom contends that my argument falls short of demonstrating a congruence between near-death research findings and John Shelby Spong's spiritual view of humanity, continuity view of Jesus, and call for a new Christianity. Sabom is correct that near-death research sheds no direct light on Jesus' true identity and that research findings regarding near-death experiences (NDEs) should not be used to promote religious agendas. Nonetheless, I suggest in this reply that the NDE's ontological and spiritual significance extends to religious issues and raises questions relevant to whether near-death experiencers and Jesus have spirituality in common.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Religion and NDEs—Christianity
Spirituality and NDEs

Gibbs, J. C. (2005). What do near-death experiencers and Jesus have in common? The near-death experience and Spong's new Christianity. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 24(2) 61-95.

Abstract: Persons who have had near-death experiences (NDEs) typically become less self-centered or more spiritual, evidencing an expansive love much like that attributed to Jesus Christ. According to traditional Christianity, these common qualities fail to capture a profound discontinuity: whereas NDErs are human, Jesus was divine. John Shelby Spong has taken issue with this discontinuity view, arguing for a more “authentic” view of Jesus, a more spiritual understanding of humanity, and a new, evolving Christianity. This article relates near-death phenomena to Spong's argument. Various aspects of near-death research findings converge in pointing toward a deeper human spiritual reality of love and connection. In other words, humans, despite varying degrees of self-centeredness and distortion, may nonetheless in some ultimate sense all be integral to the light of divine love. This implication of near-death research is congruent with Spong's continuity view that humanity and divinity are not discontinuous but instead blend or flow together. Near-death research and Spong's envisioned new Christianity share in principle the ideal of progress through challenge and open dialogue.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Religion and NDEs—Christianity
Spirituality and NDEs

Greyson, B., & Ring, K. (2004). The Life Changes Inventory - Revised. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 23(1) 41-54.

Abstract: Characteristic psychological and behavioral changes are well recognized aftereffects of near-death experiences (NDEs). Although much valuable research into these aftereffects has been qualitative, Kenneth Ring (1984) developed a instrument to quantify value changes following an NDE. This instrument, eventually named the Life Changes Inventory (LCI), has evolved over the decades to reflect increased understanding of the nature and breadth of NDE aftereffects. However, the accumulated modifications of the original scale have never been published, and various researchers have continued to use superseded editions. This paper presents the Life Changes Inventory–Revised, a standardized version of this scale that embodies the accumulated knowledge culled from previous drafts of the LCI administered to disparate samples and from qualitative research into attitudinal changes reported by near-death experiencers. It is our hope that with this standardization of the LCI-R, it will replace earlier versions of the LCI and become the instrument of choice for future research into value changes associated with NDEs.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Death
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Life
Aftereffects of NDEs—Paranormal Phenomena
Aftereffects of NDEs—Religion
Aftereffects of NDEs—Sense of Self, Psychological and Physical
Aftereffects of NDEs NOS
Methodology in NDE Research
Reincarnation and NDEs

Gunn, S. C. (2001). Interrupting, talking back, and making tracks through the middle: A feminist review of 'The Last Laugh'. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 20(1) 51-59.

Abstract: No abstract.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Interpretations of NDEs
Language and NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research
Non-NDErs' Attitudes toward NDEs
Science and NDEs

Holden, J. M., & Christian, R. (2005). The field of near-death studies through 2001: An analysis of the periodical literature. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 24(1) 21-34.

Abstract: Since 1975, when Raymond Moody coined the term “near-death experience” (NDE), numerous articles have been published addressing NDEs and related phenomena. To make that literature accessible to researchers, the International Association for Near-Death Studies published an Index (2005) on CD-ROM in which the authors used 135 near-death-related topics to analyze more than 800 articles, including comprehensive coverage of more than 600 scholarly articles, published through 2001. Upon completion, the authors realized the Index revealed interesting descriptive data profiling the scholarly literature of the first quarter century of the field of near-death studies. Those data are presented in this article, including findings regarding dates, venues, authors, and topics of scholarly publications. The article concludes with a brief discussion of underaddressed topics in the field and of plans for an updated comprehensive index of all periodical publications, both scholarly and nonscholarly, in 2006 to commemorate the first 30 years of the formal field of near-death studies.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Education about NDEs
Historical Perspectives on NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research

Houck, J. A. (2005). The universal, multiple, and exclusive experiences of after-death communication. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 24(2) 117-127.

Abstract: Most of the research on after-death communications (ADCs) has been done from a qualitative approach, for example, using structured interviews (Devers and Robinson, 2002; Guggenheim and Guggenheim, 1996; LaGrand, 1997), which is an excellent way for people to begin telling their stories and comparing similar experiences with other bereft people. Yet there are other ways to measure the frequency and uniqueness of such experiences statistically, and to determine whether ADCs are random or purposeful to specific types of bereavement groups. As part of a larger research study on grief reactions and religious or spiritual coping methods in bereavement, I asked 162 bereft people to report if they have experienced specific types of ADC, as it related to their most recent death of a loved one (Houck, 2004). A frequency analysis indicated three common themes: (1) universality – that is, ADCs cutting across lines of gender, age, religious preference, education levels, time since the death, and types of death; (2) multiplicity – that is, people typically experiencing more than one type of ADC from the same loved one on different occasions; and (3) exclusivity – that is, the ADCs being experienced without the assistance of a third party, such as a medium, spiritualist, or shaman. I discuss implications of these findings for mental health and healthcare providers.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Related Experiences—NDE-Like

Krishnan, V. (2003). A new perspective on the afterlife issue. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 22(1) 5-13.

Abstract: The claim that human beings survive death as conscious entities is untenable on logical and empirical grounds. However, I suggest that a recording may persist of some aspects of one’s life, of which some people may become aware under certain circumstances. I examine whether this interpretation of phenomena believed to be afterlife-related is plausible in terms of current scientific knowledge.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Afterlife, Belief in
Reincarnation and NDEs

LaGrand, L. E. (2005). The nature and therapeutic implications of the extraordinary experiences of the bereaved. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 24(1) 3-20

Abstract: The extraordinary experiences (EEs) of the bereaved are prevalent phenomena in which claimants believe they have received a spontaneous contact from a deceased loved one or a divine being. These subjective experiences consistently bring healing and comfort to those who are mourning the death of a loved one. Yet EEs remain cloaked in secrecy and receive relatively little publicity due to the controversial nature of the experience. Mourners already dealing with the burdens of grief are reluctant to trumpet their experience and risk being stigmatized, sometimes by the caregivers who should be utilizing the opportunity to help them adapt to their loss. This article highlights the types of contacts reported, messages claimants believe are received, changes in death perceptions, and the therapeutic potential of the experience for coping with the death of a loved one. Much of the material is based on a workshop given by the author throughout the United States.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies, www.iands.org

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Related Experiences—NDE-Like

Lee, R. L. M. (2003). The reenchantment of death: Near-death, death awareness, and the New Age. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 22(2) 117-131.

Abstract: Since the first publication on the near-death phenomenon appeared about 30 years ago, many theories have been offered to explain its manifestation and meaning in relation to the question of the survival of consciousness after death. However, the contextual question regarding the receptivity of the near-death phenomenon has not been adequately answered. This question concerns the social conditions that have popularized the discourse of the near-death experience. These conditions can be identified as the reenchantment of the world within the context of the New Age, the emergence of death awareness in a rapidly aging population, and the renewal of faith within the context of religious revivalism.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Afterlife, Belief in
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Sociological
Interpretations of NDEs
Religion and NDEs—Christianity
Religion and NDEs NOS
Spirituality and NDEs
Thanatology and NDEs

Lee, R. L. M. (2004). The deconstruction of death: Postmodernism and near-death. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 22(3) 179-194.

Abstract: The near-death experience (NDE) embodies a range of claims that challenges modern assumptions about the meaning of reality. Major publications on NDEs appeared between the 1970s and 1990s, converging with the debates on postmodernism. These debates turned modern reality on its head to offer alternative perceptions of space/time and subjectivity. By placing the discourse of the NDE within the context of postmodernism, we can address its significance as a deconstruction of the conventional view of death.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Afterlife, Belief in
Explanations of NDEs—Parapsychological
Explanations of NDEs—Philosophical
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Science and NDEs
Thanatology and NDEs

Lee, R. L. M. (2004). The reimagination of death: Dream yoga, near-death, and clear light. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 22(4) 221-234.

Abstract: This article brings together three areas of research on disembodied consciousness: death, near-death, and dreaming. Research on lucid dreaming suggests that there is a close connection between consciousness in the dream state and that experienced in dying. More specifically, it is dream yoga as a special form of lucid dreaming that relates to the near-death experience (NDE) as the occasion for encounter with the clear light. I discuss the meaning of the clear light in dream yoga and in the NDE in order to inquire into the interpretation of its role in spiritual emancipation.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Death
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Life
Afterlife, Belief in
Altered States and NDEs
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Dreams and NDEs
Related Experiences—NDE-Like
Religion and NDEs—Buddhism
Religion and NDEs—Mysticism
Spirituality and NDEs
Thanatology and NDEs

Long, J. P., Long, J. A. (2003). A comparison of near-death experiences occurring before and after 1975: Results from an Internet survey. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 22(1) 21-32.

Abstract: The 1975 publication of Life After Life (Moody,1975) led to wide public recognition of near death experiences (NDEs). Much of the early NDE research, in the late 1970s and early 1980s, studied NDEs occurring predominantly before 1975. If the content and aftereffects of NDEs remained constant before and after 1975, this early NDE research may be considered applicable to NDEs occurring more recently. This study used the methodology of an Internet-based questionnaire survey that has not been previously reported. A total of 218 NDErs were surveyed. The only statistical differences between the group with NDEs before 1975 (n = 48) compared with the group with NDEs during or after 1975 (n = 170) were due to expected differences in NDEr age at the time of the NDE, and age currently. No other significant difference was found between these two groups with regard to NDE demographics, experience elements, or aftereffects studied.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Life
Aftereffects of NDEs—Physical Changes
Aftereffects of NDEs NOS
Altered States and NDEs
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Adults
Characteristics of NDErs—Education Level
Characteristics of NDErs—Gender
Characteristics of NDErs—Religious Affiliations
Characteristics of NDErs NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Distressing
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Pleasurable
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Life Review
Characteristics of NDEs—Otherworldly Environments
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, Precognition
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Perception of Time
Characteristics of NDEs—Return NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Tunnel Experiences
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Definition of NDEs
Disclosure of NDEs
Historical Perspectives on NDEs
Media Treatment of NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research
Veridical Perception during NDEs

McDonagh, J. M. (2004). Introducing near-death research findings in psychotherapy. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 22(4) 269-273.

Abstract: Traditionally, it has been regarded as inappropriate for a therapist to introduce issues of spirituality or religion into a psychotherapy session. I departed from this convention and discussed the rationale and results of doing so with adult and adolescent suicidal patients originally in 1979, and have been doing so ever since. Engelbert Winkler (2003) recently discussed his experience in using information about near-death experiences (NDEs) with a suicidal child. This paper discusses the rationale for introducing such material in cases of bereavement as well. I discuss introducing the client to empirical findings in the NDE area as “psycheducational [sic].”

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Afterlife, Belief in
Healing and NDEs—Psychological
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Psychological
Non-NDErs' Attitude Change after Learning about NDEs

Perera, M., Padmasekara, G., Belanti, J. (2005). Prevalence of near-death experiences in Australia. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 24(2) 109-116.

Abstract: In the literature surveyed we found only two articles that dealt with the prevalence of near death experiences (NDEs) in a general population. The first study, from the United States, reported NDEs in 15 percent of the population. In a more strictly controlled study from Germany, the rate was 4 percent. The present study was performed to ascertain the prevalence of NDEs in Australia. We developed a questionnaire and administered it by telephone interview. We present that questionnaire here for further studies. We determined that 8 percent of the population reported an NDE. There was a 36 percent prevalence of people who had faced a situation of imminent death, almost one-fourth of whom reported an NDE.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Pleasurable
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Spiritual
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Life Review
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, Precognition
Characteristics of NDEs—Perception of Time
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Sound, Hearing
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Sound, Music
Characteristics of NDEs—Tunnel Experiences
Cross-Cultural NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research

Prosnick, K. P., & Evans, W. J. (2003). Validity and reliability of the Near-Death Experience Scale-6. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 22(2) 130-141.

Abstract: This research reports the development and psychometric properties of a 6-item Near-Death Experience Scale (NDE-6) drawn largely from the 16-item parent scale. This short form evidenced adequate test-retest reliability and internal consistency, as well as construct validity. The index shows promise for use in research and as a screening scale in clinical contexts.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Methodology in NDE Research

Roll, W. G. (2004). Psychomanteum research: A pilot study. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 22(4) 251-260.

Abstract: Fifty-seven persons participated in 31 workshops seeking visionary and other reunion experiences with departed loved ones by means of a mirror-gazing procedure developed by Raymond Moody (1992; Moody and Perry, 1993). The study was an attempt to repeat Moody's findings, to alleviate the grief of the participants, and to explore psychological factors related to their experiences. Forty-one participants completed three questionnaires before the workshop: the Psi Experiences Questionnaire (PEQ), the Inventory of Childhood Memories and Imaginings (ICMI) (Wilson and Barber, 1983), and the Complex Partial Epilepsy Survey (CPES) Inventory of Common Experiences (Roberts, Varney, Hulbert, Paulson, Springer, Sheperd, Swan, Legrand, Harvey, and Steuben, 1990). Nine of the participants (22 percent) reported strong reunion experiences, compared to 50 percent of Moody's group. A positive relationship was found between reunion experiences during the workshop and reports of prior contact with the departed, as reported on the PEQ. The correlations with the ICMI and CPES were positive but insignificant.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Healing and NDEs—Psychological
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Psychological
Related Experiences—NDE-Like
Related Experiences NOS

Sabom, M. B. (2005). Commentary on John Gibbs' 'What do near-death experiencers and Jesus have in Common? The near-death experience and Spong's new Christianity'. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 24(2) 97-104.

Abstract: John Gibbs relates research findings on near-death experiences (NDEs) to John Shelby Spong's “continuity view of Jesus” and his “call for a new Christianity.” Gibbs' argument falls short of demonstrating congruence of the scientific findings of NDE research with the theological claims of Spong, who posits that Jesus was not God, but just a person.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Religion and NDEs—Christianity
Spirituality and NDEs

Sharma, P., & Tucker, J. B. (2004). Cases of the reincarnation type with memories from the intermission between lives. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 23(2) 101-118.

Abstract: For the last 40 years, researchers have collected cases of children who claim to remember previous lives. In a minority of these cases, the subjects also claim to remember events that took place during the intermission between the end of their previous life and their birth in the current life. Subjects in these cases tend to make more verified statements about the previous life they claim to remember than do other subjects of reincarnation-type cases, and they tend to recall more names from that life. Analysis of reports from 35 Burmese subjects indicates that the intermission memories can be broken down into three parts: a transitional stage, a stable stage in a particular location, and a return stage involving choosing parents or conception. A comparison of these reports to reports of near-death experiences (NDEs) indicates that they show features similar to the transcendental component of Western NDEs and have significant areas of overlap with Asian NDEs.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Children and Adolescents
Cross-Cultural NDEs
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research
Reincarnation and NDEs
Religion and NDEs—Buddhism

Sheeler, R. D. (2005). Teaching near death experiences to medical students. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 23(4) 239-247.

Abstract: Near-death experiences represent for a medical school curriculum a watershed area between life and death, between science and experience, and between the known and the unknown. First-year medical students as nascent scientists and clinicians have complex and often intense feelings about realms that are at the border zones of their developing acumen. In this context, the near-death experience is an ideal topic for teaching professionalism and respect for individual patients, differing cultures, and for colleagues who have differing sets of beliefs. Using videotaped presentations students were asked to explore their own and their peers' reactions to near-death experiences both in small group discussion format and using a web based discussion board. The inclusion of this topic early in medical school training was felt to be a valuable tool for developing both professionalism and collegiality. It also served to broaden the scientific viewpoint presented in the curriculum in a manner that promoted openness to and respect for patient perspective on life changing events.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Education about NDEs
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Medical
Non-NDErs' Attitude Change after Learning about NDEs
Non-NDErs' Attitudes toward NDEs

Tucker, J. B. (2003). Response to 'A new perspective on the afterlife issue'. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 22(1) 15-19.

Abstract: V. Krishnan argues that the phenomenon of children who claim to remember previous lives indicates that an inanimate recording of a person’s mental activity at the time of death persists in the local area after he or she dies. Several areas of empirical evidence conflict with this hypothesis, including long-distance cases in which the family had not been near the area where the previous personality died, cases in which the children have intermission memories of events between the death of the previous personality and the birth of the subject, and cases in which the children have memories of events that occurred long before the previous personality died.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Reincarnation and NDEs
Related Experiences NOS

Vincent, K. R. (2003). The near-death experience and Christian universalism. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 22(1) 57-71.

Abstract: I explore the near-death experience (NDE) in the context of the theology of Christian Universalism. I provide data on various models of Christian theology, and present the model of Restorative Universalism as the one most compatible with reports of afterlife in the NDE. I interface quotations from actual NDE accounts with New Testament verses to illustrate these similarities. Restorative Universalism includes a judgment (“life review” in NDE terminology), followed by punishment for some but eventual universal salvation for all. I present an analysis of New Testament verses supporting the theologies of “Jesus Saves,” Predestination, Good Works, and Universal Salvation, which reveals Salvation by Good Works to be supported by the greatest number of verses, followed by verses advocating Universal Salvation for All. Christian Restorative Universalism is based upon these two predominant New Testament teachings and affords the greatest harmony with the NDE.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Distressing
Characteristics of NDEs—Life Review
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Religion and NDEs—Christianity
Spirituality and NDEs

Wade, J. (2003). In a sacred manner we died: Native American near-death experiences. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 22(2) 82-114.

Abstract: This article presents 11 historical Native American near-death experiences from the 1600s to the early 20th century as they appeared in the accounts of early explorers, autobiographical records, and ethnographic accounts. It includes two stories from tribes around the Roanoke, Virginia area; two Chippewa accounts from the Mississippi Valley; a Chiricahua Apache account reported by Geronimo; two Zuni reports; two Saulteaux accounts from the Berens River area of what is now British Columbia; and two stories from the Oglala Sioux Black Elk. I explore commonalities among the accounts and comparisons with near-death experiences from other cultures.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Accounts of NDEs—Biographical, Cases
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Death
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Life
Aftereffects of NDEs—Sense of Self, Psychological and Physical
Afterlife, Belief in
Afterlife, NDErs’ Descriptions of
Altered States and NDEs
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Distressing
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Pleasurable
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Spiritual
Characteristics of NDEs—Life Review
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Characteristics of NDEs—Otherworldly Environments
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, Precognition
Characteristics of NDEs—Return NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Return, Involuntary
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Kinesthetic
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Vision
Characteristics of NDEs—Tunnel Experiences
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Cross-Cultural NDEs
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Language and NDEs
Religion and NDEs—Indigenous Cultures
Spirituality and NDEs

Winkler, P. E. (2003). The Elias Project: Using the near-death experience potential in therapy. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 22(2) 78-81.

Abstract: This essay describes the therapeutic usefulness of near-death experiences (NDEs). The fundamental hypothesis is that reports of NDEs together with relevant research can be understood to be a modern book of death and dying, one that is not only useful but also applicable to therapeutic purposes. I describe an actual case of a suicidal boy who was successfully treated through the use of NDEs. This event developed into what came to be called the Elias Project. The foundation of the Elias Project is in the form of two texts with commentary, one for adults and one for children. Both texts have been distilled out of a large number of NDE reports. Also included are clinical cases that have to do with difficult and varied psychological problems. These have been included in the Occidental Book of Death and Dying because this approach has proved its therapeutic effectiveness.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Accounts of NDEs—Biographical, Cases
Characteristics of NDEs—Life Review
Characteristics of NDEs—Tunnel Experiences
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Circumstances of NDEs—Suicide
Education about NDEs
Healing and NDEs—Psychological
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Psychological
Literature, Fictional
Non-NDErs' Attitude Change after Learning about NDEs

Woerlee, G. M. (2004). Cardiac arrest and near-death experiences. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 22(4) 235-249.

Abstract: Recent prospective studies of the incidence and character of near-death experiences (NDEs) during cardiac resuscitation have aroused new interest in the true nature of these profound experiences. Those who believe in the reality of an invisible and immaterial soul claim these studies support their belief. However, careful analysis reveals these experiences can be explained by changes in body function. This article describes the process of cardiac resuscitation in some detail, explains how known data on cardiac resuscitation predict the incidence of these experiences, as well as how the functioning of the body during cardiac resuscitation explains the experiences undergone during NDEs such as out-of-body experiences, tunnel and darkness experiences, sensations of transcendence, and ineffability. Furthermore, the functioning of the human body during cardiac resuscitation also explains the veridical observations made during some NDEs. This article offers a full explanation of NDEs occurring during cardiac resuscitation based solely upon human physiology.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Altered States and NDEs
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Circumstances of NDEs—Consciousness and Unconsciousness
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Explanations of NDEs—Parapsychological
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Anoxia
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological NOS
Mental Processes and NDEs
Veridical Perception during NDEs

French, C. C. (2001). Dying to know the truth: Visions of a dying brain, or false memories? Lancet, 358(9298) 2010-2011.

Abstract: No abstract.

Copyright:

Link: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/01406736

Topics:
Altered States and NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Mental Processes and NDEs
Veridical Perception during NDEs

Blanke, O., Ortigue, S., Landis, T., & Seeck, M. (2002). Stimulating illusory own-body perceptions. Nature, 419() 269-270.

Abstract: Out-of-body' experiences (OBEs) are curious, usually brief sensations in which a person's consciousness seems to become detached from the body and take up a remote viewing position. Here we describe the repeated induction of this experience by focal electrical stimulation of the brain's right angular gyrus in a patient who was undergoing evaluation for epilepsy treatment. Stimulation at this site also elicited illusory transformations of the patient's arm and legs (complex somatosensory responses) and whole-body displacements (vestibular responses), indicating that out-of-body experiences may reflect a failure by the brain to integrate complex somatosensory and vestibular information.

Copyright: Reprinted by permission from Macmillan Publishers Ltd: Nature, Copyright 2002.

Link:

Topics:
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Related Experiences—NDE-Like

Callanan, M. (1994). Back from 'beyond'. American Journal of Nursing, 94(3) 20, 22-23.

Abstract: No abstract.

Copyright:

Link:

Topics:
Disclosure of NDEs
Education about NDEs
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Medical
Non-NDErs' Attitudes toward NDEs

Irwin, H. J. (2002). The genesis of a parapsychologist. Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research, 96(3-4) 156-160.

Abstract: No abstract.

Copyright:

Link:

Topics:
Methodology in NDE Research
Related Experiences NOS

Noyes, R. (1977, Januar). Is there new evidence for Humanist, () 51-53.

Abstract: No abstract.

Copyright:

Link:

Topics:
Afterlife, Belief in
Altered States and NDEs
Religion and NDEs—Mysticism
Thanatology and NDEs

Shears, D., Elison, S., Garralda, M. E., & Nadel, S. (2005). Near-death experiences with meningococcal disease. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 44(7) 630-631.

Abstract: No abstract.

Copyright:

Link:

Topics:
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Children, Adolescents
Characteristics of NDErs—Gender
Characteristics of NDErs—Psychological Profile
Characteristics of NDErs—Religious Affiliations
Characteristics of NDErs NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Spiritual
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Characteristics of NDEs—Otherworldly Environments
Circumstances of NDEs—Hospital
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Methodology in NDE Research

Wren-Lewis, J. (2005). The implications of near-death experiences for understanding posttraumatic growth. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 45(2) 90-92.

Abstract: No abstract.

Copyright:

Link:

Topics:
Aftereffects of NDEs—Emotional
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Life
Aftereffects of NDEs—Sense of Self, Psychological and Physical
Altered States and NDEs
Healing and NDEs—Psychological
Mental Processes and NDEs
Spirituality and NDEs

Agrillo, C. (2011). Near-death experience: Out-of-body and out-of-brain? Review of General Psychology, 15(1) 1-10.

Abstract: During the last decades, several clinical cases have been reported where patients described profound subjective experiences when near-death, a phenomenon called “near-death experience” (NDE). Recurring features in the accounts involving bright lights and tunnels have sometimes been interpreted as evidence of a new life after death; however the origin of such experiences is largely unknown, and both biological and psychological interpretations have been suggested. The study of NDEs represents one of the most important topics of cognitive neuroscience. In the present paper the current state of knowledge has been reviewed, with particular regard to the main features of NDE, scientific explanations and the theoretical debate surrounding this phenomenon.

Copyright:

Link:

Topics:
Afterlife, Belief in
Altered States and NDEs
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Vision
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Philosophical
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Mental Processes and NDEs
Religion and NDEs NOS
Science and NDEs
Veridical Perception during NDEs

Alvarado, C. S. (2006). Neglected near-death phenomena Journal of Near-Death Studies, 24(3) 131-151.

Abstract: There are a number of important near-death phenomena that have not received much research attention in recent times. These include visual and auditory experiences, as well as such physical phenomena as breakage or falling objects reported to take place around the time someone dies. Furthermore, some bystanders at deathbeds have reported seeing apparitions and a variety of emanations coming from the dying person's body, such as mists, lights, or replicas of the dying person's body. In addition to presenting examples of these phenomena, I suggest several topics for further work in this area. Research needs to be conducted on the prevalence and the psychological characteristics of the experiencer. We also need to explore further interrelationships between the features of the experiences, and between near-death phenomena and other veridical experiences that take place in relation to living persons who are not dying and who are dead. Research could follow a variety of assumptions, including parapsychological and conventional explanations. Studies of near-death phenomena are particularly difficult due to the apparent rarity of some experiences, and the rarity of researchers interested and willing to get involved in this type of research.

Copyright:

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Nearing Death and NDEs—Deathbed Visions
Nearing Death and NDEs NOS
Related Experiences—NDE-Like
Related Experiences NOS

Alvarado, C. S. (2007). Remarks on Ernesto Bozzano's La Psiche Domina la Materia Journal of Near-Death Studies, 25(3) 189-195.

Abstract: Modern discussions of physical phenomena around the time of someone's death have not mentioned Italian psychical researcher Ernesto Bozzano's last study on the subject, La Psiche Domina la Materia (1948). Posthumously published, the book included an analysis of cases of falling pictures, disturbances of clocks, and a variety of other effects such as bell ringings, breakage and movement of objects, all connected by experiencers to death. In addition to reminding us that such reports of physical manifestations exist, Bozzano inspires us with ideas for further research. His book, however, suffered from several problems, among them a dogmatic approach to the interpretation of the cases, and the use of cases lacking relevant information.

Copyright:

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Related Experiences NOS

Alvarado, C. S. (2010). Online Resources for the History of Out-of-Body Experiences and Death-Related Phenomena Journal of Near-Death Studies, 28(3) 143-162.

Abstract: Google Books is a digital library covering out of print publications about a variety of topics, among them materials relevant for a history of discussions, observations, and collections of cases of out-of-body experiences and death-related phenomena such as near-death experiences, deathbed visions, and apparitions. In this article, I provide examples of copyright-free and cost-free sources from Google Books that investigators of near-death and related phenomena can download and change into plain text; in many cases, I include passages that give readers a sense of the richness of these sources for both a historical and a contemporary understanding of near-death and related phenomena. Examples of books include Johann Engelbrecht’s The Divine Visions of John Engelbrecht (1780), Augustine Calmet’s The Phantom World (1850), Henri Roger Gougenot de Mousseaux’s Les hauts phénomènes de la magie (1864), Edward H. Clarke’s Visions (1878), William H. Harrison’s Spirits Before Our Eyes (1879), and Frederic W. H. Myers’s Human Personality and Its Survival of Bodily Death (1903). Examples of articles include those written by such authors as Ernesto Bozzano, Francis Power Cobbe, James H. Hyslop, Duncan MacDougall, Frank Podmore, and A. S. Wiltse.

Copyright:

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Education about NDEs
Historical Perspectives on NDEs
Nearing Death and NDEs—Deathbed Visions
Nearing Death and NDEs NOS
Related Experiences NOS

Alvarado, C. S. (2010). “The Dying Mother:” Historical Citations of Mary Goffe’s Seventeenth-Century Near-Death Apparition Journal of Near-Death Studies, 29(1) 241-253.

Abstract: Traditionally, certain cases have been of particular importance to students of near-death phenomena. Such cases are more than mere examples or research data; they are resources that are generally used to defend particular theoretical ideas, such as the projection of the spirit or of some subtle body from the physical body around the time of death. One such case was that of Mary Goffe, a seventeenth-century apparition of a dying woman that Richard Baxter reported in his book The Certainty of the Worlds of Spirits (1691). This paper includes a reprint of the original case report and a discussion of how later writers used the case to defend the idea that something may leave the body during near-death states.

Copyright:

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Historical Perspectives on NDEs
Nearing Death and NDEs—Deathbed Visions
Nearing Death and NDEs NOS

Alvarado, C. S. (2011). Panoramic Memory, Affect, and Sensations of Detachment in the Dying: Discussions Published in France 1889-1903 Journal of Near-Death Studies, 30(2) 65-82.

Abstract: Between 1889 and 1903, several authors published papers in the French journal Revue Philosophique de la France et de l’Étranger and in a few other publications in which they discussed panoramic memory, changes of affect, and a sense of detachment from the body in dying persons. With a few exceptions these publications have been ignored in modern discussion of the phenomena of the dying. Whereas philosopher Victor Egger postulated the psychological explanation that panoramic memory results from the dying person’s thoughts of imminent death, physicians Paul Sollier and Charles Féré and psychologist Henri Piéron proposed that it, as well as changes in affect, result from physiological changes in the body sensibility and in the brain. Like many authors today who speculate about near-death experiences, the authors in question did not have much evidence for their explanations. These ideas, and their physiological aspects, were part of a general interest in unusual phenomena and states of consciousness during the 19th century.

Copyright:

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Characteristics of NDEs—Life Review
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological NOS
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Historical Perspectives on NDEs
Mental Processes and NDEs
Nearing Death and NDEs NOS

Athappilly, G. K., Greyson, B., & Stevenson, I. (2006). Do prevailing societal models of influence reports of near-death experiences? A comparison of accounts reported before and after 1975 Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 194(3) 218-222.

Abstract: Transcendental near-death experiences show some crosscultural variation that suggests they may be influenced by societal beliefs. The prevailing Western model of near-death experiences was defined by Moody’s description of the phenomenon in 1975. To explore the influence of this cultural model, we compared near-death experience accounts collected before and after 1975. We compared the frequency of 15 phenomenological features Moody defined as characteristic of near-death experiences in 24 accounts collected before 1975 and in 24 more recent accounts matched on relevant demographic and situational variables. Near-death experience accounts collected after 1975 differed from those collected earlier only in increased frequency of tunnel phenomena, which other research has suggested may not be integral to the experience, and not in any of the remaining 14 features defined by Moody as characteristic of near-death experiences. These data challenge the hypothesis that near-death experience accounts are substantially influenced by prevailing cultural models.

Copyright:

Link:

Topics:
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Death
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Life
Afterlife, Belief in
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Adults
Characteristics of NDErs—Education Level
Characteristics of NDErs—Gender
Characteristics of NDErs—Marital Status
Characteristics of NDErs—Religious Affiliations
Characteristics of NDErs NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Pleasurable
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Spiritual
Characteristics of NDEs—Increased Knowledge, Thoughts
Characteristics of NDEs—Life Review
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Characteristics of NDEs—Otherworldly Environments
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, ESP
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, Precognition
Characteristics of NDEs—Return, Involuntary
Characteristics of NDEs—Return, Voluntary
Characteristics of NDEs—Return NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Sound, Music
Characteristics of NDEs—Tunnel Experiences
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Circumstances of NDEs—Accident
Circumstances of NDEs—Hospital
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Circumstances of NDEs NOS
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Disclosure of NDEs
Interpretations of NDEs
Language and NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research
Non-NDErs’ Attitudes toward NDEs
Veridical Perception during NDEs

Atwater, P. M. H. (2009). Guest Editorial: A Perspective on Contradictory Revelations of Near-Death Experiencers Journal of Near-Death Studies, 27(4) 205-209.

Abstract: In this editorial, I express my views on how to understand and reconcile contradictory revelations among near-death experiencers (NDErs). I address the issue of an NDEr proselytizing one’s own unique interpretations in response to life’s deepest questions.

Copyright:

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Interpretations of NDEs
Media Treatment of NDEs

Atwater, P. M. H. (2011). NDE as a Threshold Experience Journal of Near-Death Studies, 29(4) 439-449.

Abstract: My investigation has shown me that near-death experiences (NDEs) are not some kind of anomaly but, rather, are part of the larger genre of transformations of consciousness. The clue I believe most researchers have missed is stress—specifically, the intensity that comes from that stress (known in shamanism as “high stress”). I believe the entire pattern of aftereffects and the degree to which people change can be traced to that factor. It’s the intensity that shifts experiencers into what I call a “threshold experience”—one that straddles the boundary between this world and other worlds, between brain and that which lies beyond what the brain can access, between reality and miracles, mind and spirit, life and death, heaven and hell, sanity and insanity. Once we humans understand this shift, we can begin to unravel how the transformational process works. At the threshold of who we think we are and what lies beyond body and brain is the core of ancient mysteries. We are transformed by the Oneness we find there.

Copyright:

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Aftereffects of NDEs—Emotional
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Life
Aftereffects of NDEs—Paranormal Phenomena
Aftereffects of NDEs—Physical Changes
Aftereffects of NDEs—Religion
Aftereffects of NDEs—Sense of Self, Psychological and Physical
Altered States and NDEs
Circumstances of NDEs—Stress
Circumstances of NDEs NOS
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Related Experiences—NDE-Like
Shamanism and NDEs
Spirituality and NDEs

Augustine, K. (2007). Psychophysiological and cultural correlates undermining a survivalist interpretation of near-death experiences Journal of Near-Death Studies, 26(2) 89-125.

Abstract: This paper, Part III of a critique of survivalist interpretations of near-death experiences (NDEs), considers psychophysiological and cultural correlates of NDEs suggesting that such experiences are solely products of individuals' minds rather than windows into a transcendental realm. While current psychophysiological models do not fully explain out-of-body experiences (OBEs) and NDEs, several psychophysiological correlates offer promising clues about the mechanisms implicated in their production. These correlates do not definitively identify their precise causes, but strongly imply that such experiences represent internally generated fantasies rather than genuine perceptions of a transcendental environment. Additionally, stark differences in the phenomenology of NDEs from different cultures have been uncovered. Though non-Western samples are too limited to draw anything more than tentative conclusions, the available data suggest that prottypical Western NDE motifs derive from a cultural source, consistent with the hypothesis that NDE content reflects social conditioning and personal expectation rather than the perception of an external reality.

Copyright:

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Afterlife, Belief in
Altered States and NDEs
Cross-Cultural NDEs (outside the U.S.)—non-Western
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological NOS
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Explanations of NDEs—Sociological
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Interpretations of NDEs
Language and NDEs
Psychopathology and NDEs—Dissociation
Psychopathology and NDEs—Hallucinations
Related Experiences NOS
Science and NDEs

Augustine, K. (2007). "Psychopysiological and cultural correlates undermining a survivalist interpretation of near-death experiences" defended Journal of Near-Death Studies, 26(2) 163-175.

Abstract: Some largely convergent objections arise from independent commentaries on my lead essay. These include claims that noted psychophysiological correlates can be accommodated by models which presume that something leaves the body during out-of-body experiences (OBEs) and near-death experiences (NDEs), that social expectation alone cannot account for actual NDE content, that crosscultural diversity does not challenge a survivalist interpretation of NDEs, and that conceding well-defined commonalities within Western NDE accounts while denying crosscultural uniformity is problematic. I concede some these objections up to a point, but conclude that they neither strengthen the case for survivalist interpretation of NDEs nor weaken the case against one.

Copyright:

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Afterlife, Belief in
Altered States and NDEs
Cross-Cultural NDEs (outside the U.S.)—non-Western
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological NOS
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Explanations of NDEs—Sociological
Interpretations of NDEs
Language and NDEs
Related Experiences NOS

Augustine, K. (2007). Near-death experiences with hallucinatory features Journal of Near-Death Studies, 26(1) 3-31.

Abstract: Though little systematic attention has been given to near-death experiences (NDEs) with clear or suggestive hallucinatory features, reports of such experiences strongly imply that NDEs are not glimpses of an afterlife. This paper, Part II of a critique of survivalist interpretations of NDEs, surveys NDEs incorporating out-of-body discrepancies, bodily sensations, encounters with living persons and fictional characters, random or insignificant memories, returns from a point of no return, hallucinatory imagery, and unfulfilled predictions. Though attempts to accommodate hallucinatory NDEs within a survivalist framework are possible, they signal a failure to take the empirical evidence against a survivalist interpretation of NDEs seriously.

Copyright:

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Aftereffects of NDEs—Paranormal Phenomena
Aftereffects of NDEs—Religion
Aftereffects of NDEs NOS
Altered States and NDEs
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Distressing
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Life Review
Characteristics of NDEs—Return, Involuntary
Characteristics of NDEs—Return, Voluntary
Characteristics of NDEs—Return NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory NOS
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Dreams and NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Interpretations of NDEs
Psychopathology and NDEs—Hallucinations
Psychopharmacology and NDEs—Anesthesia
Science and NDEs

Augustine, K. (2007). "Near-death experiences with hallucinatory features" defended Journal of Near-Death Studies, 26(1) 55-65.

Abstract: Three preceding commentaries present even-handed and thoughtful criticisms of "Near-death experiences with hallucinatory features." The commentators and I agree that near-death experience (NDE) reports are sometimes open to multiple interpretations, that different kinds of NDEs should be distinguished according to their diverse physiological mechanisms, and that transformations following NDEs but not other hallucinatory experiences require special explanation if NDES are hullucinations. In this reply I discuss the most significant areas of continuing disagreement.

Copyright:

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Afterlife, Belief in
Altered States and NDEs
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Life Review
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Vision
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory NOS
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Interpretations of NDEs
Mental Processes and NDEs
Psychopathology and NDEs—Hallucinations
Veridical Perception during NDEs

Augustine, K. (2007). Does paranormal perception occur in near-death experiences? Journal of Near-Death Studies, 25(4) 203-236.

Abstract: While most near-death researchers have disregarded reports of near-death experiences with hallucinatory features, many have sought cases of verdicial paranormal preception during NDEs. But despite more than a quarter century of near-death studies, no compelling evidence that NDErs can obtain information from remote locations during their NDEs has been forthcoming. This paper, Part I of a critique of survivalist interpretations of NDEs, reviews the quality of the evidence for veridical observations during NDEs, and finds the case for veridical paranormal perception during NDEs wanting.

Copyright:

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Afterlife, Belief in
Altered States and NDEs
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Circumstances of NDEs—Time Elapse
Disabilities and NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological NOS
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Interpretations of NDEs
Media Treatment of NDEs
Mental Processes and NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research
Psychopathology and NDEs—Hallucinations
Psychopharmacology and NDEs—Anesthesia
Science and NDEs
Veridical Perception during NDEs

Augustine, K. (2007). "Does paranormal perception occur in near-death experiences?" defended Journal of Near-Death Studies, 25(4) 261-283.

Abstract: Four preceding commentaries present a variety of criticisms of "Does paranormal perception occur in near-death experiences?": that most near-death researchers do not interpret near-death experiences (NDEs) as evidence for life after death; that near-death researchers never appeal to NDE accounts incorporating predictable or uncorroborated details as evidence for veridical paranormal perception during NDEs; that reliable data contradict my critique of near-death veridicality studies; that it is unscientific to suggest a role for embellishment in NDE reports; that the patient in the Maria's shoe case reported veridical details that she could not have learned about through conventional means; and that my critique of the Pam Reynolds case amounts to an "a priori dismissal" of features suggesting veridical paranormal perception of consciousness in the absence of brain activity. I respond to each of these and other criticisms in kind.

Copyright:

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Afterlife, Belief in
Altered States and NDEs
Circumstances of NDEs—Time Elapse
Explanations of NDEs—Parapsychological
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological NOS
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Interpretations of NDEs
Media Treatment of NDEs
Mental Processes and NDEs
Psychopathology and NDEs—Hallucinations
Psychopharmacology and NDEs—Anesthesia
Veridical Perception during NDEs

Bain, B. A. (2006). The divine light and ecstasy in religious and near-death experiences: A retrospective glance and a view for the future Journal of Near-Death Studies, 24(4) 193-210.

Abstract: Throughout history and across cultures, certain aspects of religious mysticism bear striking resemblance to modern near-death experiences (NDEs). Interpretations of these experiences vary widely, but the descriptions of the experiences themselves can be very similar, and are very difficult to discount as mere coincidence. While modern science has attempted to understand NDEs in various ways, it has yet to delve deeply into its role as part of a continuum of human experience. NDEs can be viewed as the latest stage in a long history of a phenomenon that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries. By focusing on where such profound human experience shares common ground, we will be able to see humanity itself at perhaps its most sublime level.

Copyright:

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Historical Perspectives on NDEs
Religion and NDEs—Mysticism
Spirituality and NDEs

Beauregard, M., Courtemanche, J., & Paquette, V. (2009). Brain activity in near-death experiencers during a meditative state Resuscitation, 80(9) 1006-1010.

Abstract: Aim: To measure brain activity in near-death experiencers during a meditative state. Methods: In two separate experiments, brain activity was measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) during a Meditation condition and a Control condition. In the Meditation condition, participants were asked to mentally visualize and emotionally connect with the “being of light” allegedly encountered during their “near-death experience”. In the Control condition, participants were instructed to mentally visualize the light emitted by a lamp. Results: In the fMRI experiment, significant loci of activation were found during the Meditation condition (compared to the Control condition) in the right brainstem, right lateral orbitofrontal cortex, right medial prefrontal cortex, right superior parietal lobule, left superior occipital gyrus, left anterior temporal pole, left inferior temporal gyrus, left anterior insula, left parahippocampal gyrus and left substantia nigra. In the EEG experiment, electrode sites showed greater theta power in the Meditation condition relative to the Control condition at FP1, F7, F3, T5, P3, O1, FP2, F4, F8, P4, Fz, Cz and Pz. In addition, higher alpha power was detected at FP1, F7, T3 and FP2, whereas higher gamma power was found at FP2, F7, T4 and T5. Conclusions: The results indicate that the meditative state was associated with marked hemodynamic and neuroelectric changes in brain regions known to be involved either in positive emotions, visual mental imagery, attention or spiritual experiences.

Copyright:

Link:

Topics:
Aftereffects of NDEs—Cognitive
Aftereffects of NDEs—Emotional
Aftereffects of NDEs—Paranormal Phenomena
Aftereffects of NDEs—Sense of Self, Psychological and Physical
Aftereffects of NDEs NOS
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Adults
Characteristics of NDErs—Gender
Characteristics of NDErs—Psychological Profile
Characteristics of NDErs NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Mental Processes and NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research
Spirituality and NDEs

Belanti, J., Perera, M., & Jagadheesan, K. (2008). Phenomenology of near-death experiences: A cross-cultural perspective Transcultural Psychiatry, 45(1) 121-133.

Abstract: Near-death experiences (NDEs) include a set of subjective experiences encountered by people who were close to death or were faced with life-threatening situations. Reports have suggested that the phenomenology of NDE might differ across cultures. This article is aimed at providing an updated phenomenological perspective by comparing NDEs in a cross-cultural context.We compared the various descriptions of NDEs from a phenomenological perspective. There were similarities between particular cultures, which differed from typical western European experiences. This article concludes that although there are common themes, there are also reported differences in NDEs. The variability across cultures is most likely to be due to our interpretation and verbalizing of such esoteric events through the filters of language, cultural experiences, religion, education and their influence on our belief systems either shedding influence as an individual variable or more often perhaps by their rich interplay between these factors.

Copyright:

Link:

Topics:
Cross-Cultural NDEs (outside the U.S.)—non-Western
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Interpretations of NDEs
Language and NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research
Religion and NDEs NOS

Bell, K. E., Holden, J. M., & Bedwell, J. (2010). How school counselors can assist student near-death experiencers Professional School Counseling, 14(2) 165-173.

Abstract: This article provides a thorough, literature-based review of the impact of near-death experiences on children and adolescents in the areas of social and academic functioning in school. Gleaned from the published literature about how various non-school health professionals can most effectively assist near-death experiencers, practical suggestions and interventions are recommended for school counselors to effectively assist student near-death experiencers.

Copyright:

Link:

Topics:
Aftereffects of NDEs—Emotional
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Life
Aftereffects of NDEs—Relationships (familial, social)
Aftereffects of NDEs NOS
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Children-Adolescents
Counseling NDErs
Disclosure of NDEs
Education about NDEs
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Psychological
Reactions to NDEr—by Family, Spouse

Betty, L. S. (2006). Are they hallucinations or are they real? The spirituality of deathbed and near-death visions. OMEGA, 53(1-2) 27-49.

Abstract: The focus here is mainly on visions of deceased relatives and friends that persons near death often report. Are they visions of real people who live in an afterlife environment or are they hallucinations? Most social scientists assume they are hallucinations, but a thorough and careful analysis of the evidence does not point to this conclusion. The argument for the reality of such visions is muddied, however, by aspects of the visions that are dependent on the personal histories of the percipients and suggest, in some cases, illusory content. A theory that makes sense of all aspects of these visions is developed and defended, then tied into our theme: the spirituality of death.

Copyright:

Link:

Topics:
Altered States and NDEs
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Vision
Healing and NDEs—Psychological
Interpretations of NDEs
Language and NDEs
Nearing Death and NDEs—Deathbed Visions
Psychopathology and NDEs—Hallucinations
Spirituality and NDEs
Veridical Perception during NDEs

Brumm, K. (2006). A study of near-death experiences and coping with stress Journal of Near-Death Studies, 24(3) 153-173.

Abstract: This study investigates the effect of near-death experience (NDE) on an experiencer's ability to cope with stress. The intent of the study is to determine whether changes reported by experiencers have a practical, psychological application in their day-to-day lives. The test group included 18 participants of support groups sponsored by the International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS), all of whom reported having experienced an NDE. The control group consisted of 25 participants of the same support groups, none of whom reported having experienced an NDE. Questionnaires were distributed to all individuals. Results showed that 94 percent of experiencers felt their NDE positively affected how they responded to stress, and 86 percent of the control group felt that exposure to NDEs had the same positive effect on their response to stress. One hundred percent of experiencers and 91 percent of nonexperiencers felt that significant life events, whether positive or negative, were imbued with meaning. The findings suggest that a philosophical framework that imparts meaning to life events, and not necessarily an NDE, has a positive effect on a person's ability to cope with stress.

Copyright:

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Accounts of NDEs—Autobiographical
Aftereffects of NDEs—Emotional
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Death
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Life
Aftereffects of NDEs—Paranormal Phenomena
Aftereffects of NDEs—Physical Changes
Aftereffects of NDEs—Religion
Aftereffects of NDEs—Relationships (familial, social)
Aftereffects of NDEs—Sense of Self, Psychological and Physical
Aftereffects of NDEs NOS
Afterlife, Belief in
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Adults
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Children-Adolescents
Characteristics of NDErs—Gender
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Pleasurable
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Spiritual
Characteristics of NDEs—Increased Knowledge, Thoughts
Characteristics of NDEs—Life Review
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, Precognition
Characteristics of NDEs—Return, Voluntary
Characteristics of NDEs—Tunnel Experiences
Circumstances of NDEs—Accident
Circumstances of NDEs—Consciousness and Unconsciousness
Circumstances of NDEs—Hospital
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Circumstances of NDEs—Induced Chemically
Healing and NDEs—Psychological
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Medical
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Psychological
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Social Workers
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Spiritual (chaplains, clergy)
Methodology in NDE Research
Reactions to NDEr—by Family, Spouse
Spirituality and NDEs

Carter, C. (2011). Response to "Could Pam Reynolds Hear?" Journal of Near-Death Studies, 30(1) 29-53.

Abstract: The near-death experience (NDE) of Pam Reynolds is one of the most impressive and medically well-documented NDEs in the literature. It took place during an operation to remove a brain aneurism, and it included almost all the aspects of a classic NDE, including accurate visual perception of the operating theater. Furthermore, parts of the experience would seem to have occurred when no brain activity whatsoever was possible. Despite testimony to the contrary by the medical personnel involved, Gerald Woerlee has attempted to explain Reynolds’ experience as a result of auditory impressions combined with an anesthesia-induced fantasy. I argue here that Woerlee’s attempted explanation is simply unsupported by the documented facts of the case. I also invite Woerlee to accompany me to the Barrow Neurological Institute to participate in an empirical test under the exact auditory conditions Reynolds experienced.

Copyright:

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Altered States and NDEs
Characteristics of NDErs—Gender
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Sound, Hearing
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Sound, Music
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Sound NOS
Circumstances of NDEs—Consciousness and Unconsciousness
Circumstances of NDEs—Hospital
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Explanations of NDEs—Parapsychological
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological NOS
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Medical
Mental Processes and NDEs
Psychopharmacology and NDEs—Anesthesia
Science and NDEs
Veridical Perception during NDEs

Clark Sharp, K. (2007). The other shoe drops: Commentary on "Does paranormal perception occur in near-death experiences?" Journal of Near-Death Studies, 25(4) 245-250.

Abstract: Keith Augustine raises questions about my report of a case of veridical out-of-body perception during a near-death experience (NDE). His analysis is based not on my original description of the case but rather on a distorted account in a magazine written by two college students who misrepresented the facts and made unwarranted assumptions to support their beliefs.

Copyright:

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Media Treatment of NDEs
Veridical Perception during NDEs

Corazza, O., & Schifano, F. (2010). Near-death states reported in a sample of 50 misusers Substance Use & Misuse, 45(6) 916-924.

Abstract: Increase in recreational ketamine use may be a cause for concern. We aimed here at assessing, in a sample of ketamine misusers, concordance between the typical near-death experience (NDE) features and the on-drug psychoactive effects the subjects experienced. In 2003–2005, a sample of previous ketamine misusers recollecting a ketamine-related NDE were recruited through snowballing and screened with the means of the Greyson NDE Scale; 125 participants made an initial contact with the researcher and 50 reported a minimum score of seven at the “Greyson NDE Scale”. Interviewees were in the range 21–66 years old; 27 participants (54%) were educated at BA level, 18 (36%) had an MSc, and 5 (10%) a PhD. Eight (16%) interviewees had a definite religious background. An average lifetime ketamine intake of 140 occasions was reportedby the interviewees, who typically presented with a polydrug, including cannabis and MDMA/ecstasy, misuse history. In 45 (90%) cases, the NDE occurred during the first few occasions of intake. Most frequent features of reported NDE states included: altered perception of time (90%), strong sense of detaching from own physical body (88%), and a sense of peace/joy (76% of subjects). Although results here described were elicited from a self-selected, nonrandomized, limited size sample of misusers, we suggest that recreational ketamine intake may be associated with occurrence of near-death related states.

Copyright:

Link:

Topics:
Altered States and NDEs
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Adults
Characteristics of NDErs—Education Level
Characteristics of NDErs—Gender
Characteristics of NDErs—Marital Status
Characteristics of NDErs—Psychological Profile
Characteristics of NDErs—Religious Affiliations
Characteristics of NDErs NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Pleasurable
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Spiritual
Characteristics of NDEs—Increased Knowledge, Thoughts
Characteristics of NDEs—Life Review
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Characteristics of NDEs—Otherworldly Environments
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, ESP
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, Precognition
Characteristics of NDEs—Perception of Time
Characteristics of NDEs—Return NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Sound, Hearing
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Vision
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Tunnel Experiences
Circumstances of NDEs—Induced Chemically
Interpretations of NDEs
Language and NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research
Psychopharmacology and NDEs—Anesthesia

Dale, L. (2006). Experiences of light in gay and lesbian near-death experiences Journal of Near-Death Studies, 24(3) 175-178.

Abstract: This article illustrates the concept of divine light in stories of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender near-death experiencers.

Copyright:

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Life
Aftereffects of NDEs—Sense of Self, Psychological and Physical
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Adults
Characteristics of NDErs—Gender
Characteristics of NDErs NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Spirituality and NDEs

Dale, L. (2007). From fear to love in gay and lesbian near-death experiences and the coming out process Journal of Near-Death Studies, 25(3) 171-179.

Abstract: This article illustrates the changes in thought and feeling states within gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender near-death experiences, and the implications for the coming out process for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered experiencers.

Copyright:

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Aftereffects of NDEs—Cognitive
Aftereffects of NDEs—Emotional
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Death
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Life
Aftereffects of NDEs—Sense of Self, Psychological and Physical
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Adults
Characteristics of NDErs—Gender
Characteristics of NDErs NOS
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs

Dell'Olio, A. J. (2010). Do near-death experiences provide a rational basis for belief in life after death? SOPHIA, 49(1) 113-128.

Abstract: In this paper I suggest that near-death experiences (NDEs) provide a rational basis for belief in life after death. My argument is a simple one and is modeled on the argument from religious experience for the existence of God. But unlike the proponents of the argument from religious experience, I stop short of claiming that NDEs prove the existence of life after death. Like the argument from religious experience, however, my argument turns on whether or not there is good reason to believe that NDEs are authentic or veridical. I argue that there is good reason to believe that NDEs are veridical and that therefore it is reasonable to believe in the existence of what they seem to be experiences of, namely, a continued state of consciousness after the death of the body. I will then offer some comments on the philosophical import of NDEs, as well as reflections on the current state of contemporary philosophy in light of the neglect of this phenomenon.

Copyright:

Link:

Topics:
Afterlife, Belief in
Explanations of NDEs—Philosophical
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Mental Processes and NDEs
Religion and NDEs NOS
Veridical Perception during NDEs

Fenwick, P. (2007). Commentary on "Near-death experiences with hallucinatory features" Journal of Near-Death Studies, 26(1) 43-49.

Abstract: In this response to Keith Augustine's paper, I discuss the question of the nature and causation of near-death experiences (NDEs) with hallucinatory features. The attribution of hallucinations to either a brain mechanism or a peek into the afterworld raises fundamental questions about both the epistemology and ontology of our neuroscience, and of our scientific models of an afterlife. It also raises questions about the physiological state of the brain giving rise to NDEs that arise in very different situations and are clearly unlikely to have a unitary cause. These fundamental questions can be answered only in proper prospective trials when both the brain physiology and psychological variables of the experiencer are known.

Copyright:

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Afterlife, Belief in
Altered States and NDEs
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Life Review
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Interpretations of NDEs
Psychopathology and NDEs—Hallucinations

Fox, M. (2007). Comment on Keith Augustine's article Journal of Near-Death Studies, 26(2) 155-157.

Abstract: This commentary responds to Keith Augustine's article on the hallucinatory nature of near-death experiences (NDEs). It draws attention to his misreading of an important point made in my book Religion, Spirituality and the Near-Death Experience (Fox, 2003) regarding claims made by some NDErs to have traveled into outer space, reinforces the need for a thorough consideration of the epistemological complexities involved in asserting or denying a "common core" to NDEs, and ends by supporting the point made by Augustine that there is a pressing need for more crosscultural studies of the "core" phenomenon itself.

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Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Afterlife, Belief in
Altered States and NDEs
Cross-Cultural NDEs (outside the U.S.)—non-Western
Explanations of NDEs—Philosophical
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Interpretations of NDEs
Psychopathology and NDEs—Hallucinations

Fracasso, C., & Friedman, H. (2011). Near-death experiences and the possibility of disembodied consciousness: Challenges to prevailing neurobiological and psychosocial theories NeuroQuantology, 9(1) 41-53.

Abstract: Claims from those having near?death experiences (NDEs), as well as those sympathetic to such claims, challenge the prevailing assumption that consciousness is dependent on a functioning brain. Extant theories, both neurobiological and psychosocial, that attempt to explain NDEs are examined and found unable to adequately account for the full range of NDE reports, especially electromagnetic after?effects and out?of?body experiences with veridical perception. As a result, many leading NDE researchers have proposed that a new model is needed to explain how consciousness could possibly exist independently of the brain, mainly relying on theories from quantum physics. Our paper critically evaluates a range of extant neurobiological and psychosocial theories of NDEs, as well as examines theories that might offer more promise in fully explaining NDEs, especially those using insights derived from quantum physics. We conclude that the “hard problem” of consciousness is not yet solved, but that NDEs provide an important avenue for exploring the relationship between consciousness and brain, as well as possibly understanding a disembodied concept of consciousness.

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Topics:
Altered States and NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Methodology in NDE Research
Science and NDEs
Theories, NDE-Related, Psychological NOS

Fracasso, C., Aleyasin, S. A., Friedman, H., & Young, M. S. (2010). Near-Death Experiences among a Sample of Iranian Muslims Journal of Near-Death Studies, 29(1) 265-272.

Abstract: Muslim near-death experiences (NDEs) have been rarely reported by comparison to the incidence of NDEs reported in other groups. Recently, after Kreps (2009) found no NDEs in a sample from Pakistan and Kashmir, he concluded Muslim NDEs may even be nonexistent. However, in Arak City, Iran, we easily identified 19 Iranian Muslims who reported having experienced an NDE. Thirty participants claiming to have memories from a period of unconsciousness associated with a close brush with death completed a Persian translation of Greyson’s (1983) NDE Scale as well as background and semi-structured questions. Of these, 19 (63%) scored 7 or higher on the NDE Scale, Greyson’s criterion for a valid NDE. The presumed NDErs were 10 female and 9 male; aged 16 to 65 years old with a mean age of 33; ranging in education from no high school diploma (5%), to high school diploma (37%), to bachelor’s degree (58%); reporting NDE circumstances of accident (58%), attempted suicide (16%), illness (11%), natural disaster (11%), and emotional trauma (5%); and reporting time since NDE ranging from less than one to 20 years with a mean of 8 years. Although low reliability precluded further statistical analysis of the data or comparison of them to results of previous Western studies, our informal assessment was that both the contents and aftereffects of the Muslim NDEs were quite similar to those of Westerners. We concluded that NDEs are not particularly rare in Muslim groups and that their similarity to Western NDEs suggests they may be a cross-culturally universal and transpersonal phenomenon.

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Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Death
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Life
Aftereffects of NDEs—Paranormal Phenomena
Aftereffects of NDEs NOS
Afterlife, Belief in
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Adults
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Children-Adolescents
Characteristics of NDErs—Education Level
Characteristics of NDErs—Gender
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Spiritual
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Life Review
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, ESP
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, Precognition
Characteristics of NDEs—Return, Involuntary
Characteristics of NDEs—Return, Voluntary
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Sound, Hearing
Circumstances of NDEs—Accident
Circumstances of NDEs—Consciousness and Unconsciousness
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Circumstances of NDEs—Stress
Circumstances of NDEs—Suicide
Circumstances of NDEs NOS
Cross-Cultural NDEs (outside the U.S.)—non-Western
Methodology in NDE Research
Religion and NDEs—Islam
Spirituality and NDEs

Fracasso, C., Friedman, H., & Young, M. S. (2010). Psychologists’ Knowledge of and Attitudes about Near-Death Experiences: Changes over Time and Relationship to Transpersonal Self-Concept Journal of Near-Death Studies, 29(1) 273-281.

Abstract: We conducted a comparison and extension of Walker and Russell's (1989) study of psychologists' knowledge of and attitudes about near-death experiences (NDEs). We used their Near-Death Phenomena Knowledge and Attitude Questionnaire (NDPKAQ), consisting of one knowledge sca e and two attitude scales, to explore possible changes over time. We also used the Self-Expansiveness Level Form-Transpersonal Scale (SELF-TS; Friedman, 1983) to explore the relationship of transpersonal self-concept with knowledge of and attitudes about NDEs. We randomly surveyed 84 psychologists listed in the Washington state National Register and obtained 18 completed responses (61% male, 39% female; mean age 60 years; ethnicity unknown). The comparison of our NDPKAQ data with Walker and Russell's Illinois psychologists' data suggests psychologists' knowledge and attitudes about NDEs have remained unchanged over the past two decades (p > .05). Two of the three NDPKAQ scale scores correlated significantly with the SELF-TS scores (p = .03, .05), suggesting a positive relationship between transpersonal self-concept and knowledge of and attitudes towards NDEs. We discuss limitations of our results and implications of our findings for professional education and training on NDEs.

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Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Education about NDEs
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Psychological
Methodology in NDE Research
Non-NDErs’ Attitude Change after Learning about NDEs
Non-NDErs’ Attitudes toward NDEs
Psychopathology and NDEs NOS

Fuller, M. (2009). Did St Jerome have a near-death experience? The Expository Times, 120(11) 530-533.

Abstract: This article is concerned with a remarkable experience recounted by St Jerome, which has a number of features associated with reports of ‘near-death experiences’ (NDEs). Curiously, commentators who have explored patristic and mediaeval accounts of NDEs have hitherto neglected this account. The aetiology and significance of NDEs is disputed; however, it is likely that the negative aspects of St Jerome’s vision were influential on subsequent Christian reflections on judgement and the afterlife.

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Topics:
Afterlife, Belief in
Historical Perspectives on NDEs
Interpretations of NDEs
Religion and NDEs—Christianity
Spirituality and NDEs

Gibbs, J. C. (2010). Near-Death Experiences, Deathbed Visions, and Past-Life Memories: A Convergence in Support of van Lommel’s Consciousness Beyond Life Journal of Near-Death Studies, 29(2) 303-341.

Abstract: This review supports cardiologist Pim van Lommel’s continuity claim for human existence in his recently published book Consciousness BeyondLife: The Science of the Near-Death Experience (2010). Van Lommel and colleagues (van Lommel, van Wees, Meyers, & Elfferich, 2001) studied NDEs among 344 Dutch hospital patients who had been resuscitated following cardiac arrest. From their and others’ NDE research findings (e.g., accurate perceptions during the arrest period), van Lommel and colleagues concluded that mental activity can take place even in the absence of cerebral function. Extrapolating from this conclusion, van Lommel claimed in Consciousness Beyond Life a fundamental continuity for individual human existence: that death and birth mark not final limits but instead the transition from one state of consciousness to another. In the course of making his continuity claim, van Lommel referred to other topics such as deathbed visions and past-life memories. In addition to reviewing NDE research, this article reviews research and illustrative responses pertaining to these related phenomena. A convergence of corroborative evidence is consistent with van Lommel’s continuity claim.

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Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Afterlife, Belief in
Altered States and NDEs
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Evolution and NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Parapsychological
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Mental Processes and NDEs
Nearing Death and NDEs—Deathbed Visions
Nearing Death and NDEs NOS
Related Experiences—NDE-Like
Related Experiences NOS
Science and NDEs

Gomez-Jeria, J. S. (2006). A near-death experience in Pu Songling's Strange Stories from Liaozhai's Studio Journal of Near-Death Studies, 25(2) 113-120.

Abstract: I present in this paper a tale from Pu Songling's "Strange Stories from Liaozhai's Studio." This story seems to contain the following key elements of a near-death experience: the life review, travel through a spiritual world, and a pilgrimage to obtain a healthy physical body "to return to life." I discuss the content of the life review in terms of emotionally tagged souvenirs. Other contents of the story are clearly culturally dependent and I discuss them within the framework of Oriental thought.

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Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Accounts of NDEs—Biographical, Cases
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Distressing
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Pleasurable
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Spiritual
Characteristics of NDEs—Life Review
Characteristics of NDEs—Otherworldly Environments
Characteristics of NDEs—Return NOS
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Circumstances of NDEs—Time Elapse
Cross-Cultural NDEs (outside the U.S.)—non-Western
Healing and NDEs—Physical
Literature, Fictional
Religion and NDEs—Buddhism

Green, J. T. (2008). The death journey of a Hopi Indian: A case study Journal of Near-Death Studies, 26(4) 283-293.

Abstract: I present the case study of the "death journey" or near-death experience (NDE) of Don Talayesva, a Hopi Indian, whose experience occurred between 1900 and 1910. I compare and contrast his experience with 11 accounts of Native American NDEs reported by Jenny Wade (2003), as well as with modern day NDEs. Talayesva's NDE took him to the Hopi land of the dead, where he witnessed the brutal fate of witches and Two-Hearts before returning to physical existence. Although his and many other NDEs from indigenous populations appear to adhere to cultural expectations and beliefs, that has not been the case with modern day NDEs collected from Anglo-Saxon cultures.

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Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Distressing
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Characteristics of NDEs—Otherworldly Environments
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, ESP
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, Precognition
Characteristics of NDEs—Return, Involuntary
Characteristics of NDEs—Return NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Vision
Characteristics of NDEs—Tunnel Experiences
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Cross-Cultural NDEs (outside the U.S.)—non-Western
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Religion and NDEs—Indigenous Cultures

Greyson, B. (2006). Near-death experiences and spirituality Zygon, 41(2) 393-414.

Abstract: Some individuals when they come close to death report having experiences that they interpret as spiritual or religious. These so-called near-death experiences (NDEs) often include a sense of separation from the physical body and encounters with religious figures and a mystical or divine presence. They share with mystical experiences a sense of cosmic unity or oneness, transcendence of time and space, deeply felt positive mood, sense of sacredness, noetic quality or intuitive illumination, paradoxicality, ineffability, transiency, and persistent positive aftereffects. Although there is no relationship between NDEs and religious belief prior to the experience, there are strong associations between depth of NDE and religious change after the experience. NDEs often change experiencers’ values, decreasing their fear of death and giving their lives new meaning. NDEs lead to a shift from ego-centered to other-centered consciousness, disposition to love unconditionally, heightened empathy, decreased interest in status symbols and material possessions, reduced fear of death, and deepened spiritual consciousness. Many experiencers become more empathic and spiritually oriented and express the beliefs that death is not fearsome, that life continues beyond, that love is more important than material possessions, and that everything happens for a reason. These changes meet the definition of spiritual transformation as “a dramatic change in religious belief, attitude, and behavior that occurs over a relatively short period of time.” NDEs do not necessarily promote any one particular religious or spiritual tradition over others, but they do foster general spiritual growth both in the experiencers themselves and in human society at large.

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Topics:
Aftereffects of NDEs—Emotional
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Death
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Life
Aftereffects of NDEs—Religion
Aftereffects of NDEs—Sense of Self, Psychological and Physical
Altered States and NDEs
Religion and NDEs NOS
Spirituality and NDEs

Greyson, B. (2007). Comments on "Does paranormal perception occur in near-death experiences?" Journal of Near-Death Studies, 25(4) 237-244.

Abstract: Keith Augustine's critique of studies of veridical perception in near-death experiences is based on unsubstantiated speculation from the popular media, rather than on supportive data or peer-reviewed literature. Nevertheless, addressing the issues he raises would improve the methodology of near-death research and strengthen the evidential database for veridical perception.

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Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Afterlife, Belief in
Circumstances of NDEs—Time Elapse
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Interpretations of NDEs
Media Treatment of NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research
Veridical Perception during NDEs

Greyson, B. (2007). Commentary on "Psychophysiological and cultural correlates undermining a survivalist interpretation of near-death experiences" Journal of Near-Death Studies, 26(2) 127-145.

Abstract: Keith Augustine has provided a legitimate and cogent critique of a transcendental interpretation of near-death experiences, exposing weaknesses in the research methodology, paucity of the data, and gaps in the arguments. He offers evidence from psychophysiological and cultural correlates of NDEs that he interprets as favoring a hallucinatory understanding of these phenomena. However, his analysis relies on idiosyncratic definitions of psychological concepts, reads unidirectional causality into bivariate correlations, and underestimates the empirical predictions of the separation hypothesis. Despite less than compelling evidence for the transcendental hypothesis, it accounts for NDE phenomenology better than the materialist model.

Copyright:

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Afterlife, Belief in
Altered States and NDEs
Cross-Cultural NDEs (outside the U.S.)—non-Western
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological NOS
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Interpretations of NDEs
Language and NDEs
Mental Processes and NDEs
Psychopathology and NDEs—Dissociation
Psychopathology and NDEs—Hallucinations
Related Experiences NOS
Science and NDEs

Greyson, B. (2007). Consistency of near-death experience accounts over two decades: Are reports embellished over time? Resuscitation, 73(3) 407-411.

Abstract: Aim: ‘‘Near-death experiences,’’ commonly reported after clinical death and resuscitation, may require intervention and, if reliable, may elucidate altered brain functioning under extreme stress. It has been speculated that accounts of near-death experiences are exaggerated over the years. The objective of this study was to test the reliability over two decades of accounts of near-death experiences. Methods: Seventy-two patients with near-death experience who had completed the NDE Scale in the 1980s (63% of the original cohort still alive) completed the scale a second time, without reference to the original scale administration. The primary outcome was differences in NDE scale scores on the two administrations. The secondary outcome was the statistical association between differences in scores and years elapsed between the two administrations. Results: Mean scores did not change significantly on the total NDE scale, its 4 factors, or its 16 items. Correlation coefficients between scores on the two administrations were significant at p < .001 for the total NDE scale, for its 4 factors, and for its 16 items. Correlation coefficients between score changes and time elapsed between the two administrations were not significant for the total NDE scale, for its 4 factors, or for its 16 items. Conclusion: Contrary to expectation, accounts of near-death experiences, and particularly reports of their positive affect, were not embellished over a period of almost two decades. These data support the reliability of near-death experience accounts.

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Topics:
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Adults
Characteristics of NDErs NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Pleasurable
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Spiritual
Characteristics of NDEs—Increased Knowledge, Thoughts
Characteristics of NDEs—Life Review
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Characteristics of NDEs—Otherworldly Environments
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, ESP
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, Precognition
Characteristics of NDEs—Perception of Time
Characteristics of NDEs—Return NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory NOS
Interpretations of NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research

Greyson, B. (2007). Near-death experience: Clinical implications Revista de Psiquiatria Clinica, 34(Suppl. 1) 116-125.

Abstract: Background: When some people come close to death, they report a profound experience of transcending the physical world that often leads to spiritual transformation. These “near-death experiences” (NDEs) are relevant to clinicians because they lead to changes in beliefs, attitudes, and values; they may be mistaken for psychopathological states, although producing different sequelae requiring different therapeutic approaches; and because they may enhance our understanding of consciousness. Objectives: This literature review examined the evidences regarding explanations proposed to explain NDEs, including expectation, birth memories, altered blood gases, toxic or metabolic hallucinations, and neurochemical and neuroanatomical models. Methods: The literature on NDEs of the past 30 years was examined comprehensively, including medical, nursing, psychological, and sociological databases. Results: NDEs typically produce positive changes in attitudes, beliefs, and values, but may also lead to interpersonal and intrapsychic problems. These problems have been compared to various mental disorders, but are distinguishable from them. Various therapeutic strategies have been proposed to help experiencers with problematic aftereffects, but have not been tested yet. Conclusions: The mystical consciousness and higher mental activity during NDEs, when the brain is severely impaired, challenge current models of brain/mind interaction and may occasionally lead to more complete models for the understanding of consciousness.

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Topics:
Altered States and NDEs
Counseling NDErs
Education about NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Medical
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Psychological
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Social Workers
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Spiritual (chaplains, clergy)
Science and NDEs

Greyson, B. (2010). Implications of near-death experiences for a postmaterialist psychology Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 2(1) 37-45.

Abstract: Classical physics, anchored in materialist reductionism, offered adequate descriptions of everyday mechanics but ultimately proved insufficient for describing the mechanics of extremely high speeds or small sizes, and was supplemented nearly a century ago by quantum physics, which includes consciousness in its formulation. Materialist psychology, modeled on the reductionism of classical physics, likewise offered adequate descriptions of everyday mental functioning but ultimately proved insufficient for describing mentation under extreme conditions, such as the continuation of mental function when the brain is inactive or impaired, such as occurs near death. “Near-death experiences” include phenomena that challenge materialist reductionism, such as enhanced mentation and memory during cerebral impairment, accurate perceptions from a perspective outside the body, and reported visions of deceased persons, including those not previously known to be deceased. Complex consciousness, including cognition, perception, and memory, under conditions such as cardiac arrest and general anesthesia, when it cannot be associated with normal brain function, require a revised psychology anchored not in 19th-century classical physics but rather in 21st-century quantum physics that includes consciousness in its conceptual formulation.

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Topics:
Altered States and NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Mental Processes and NDEs
Science and NDEs
Theories, NDE-Related, Psychological NOS

Greyson, B. (2010). Seeing dead people not known to have died: "Peak in darien" experiences Anthropology and Humanism, 35(2) 159-171.

Abstract: The ubiquitous belief that, after death, our consciousness might persist in some discarnate form is fueled in part by phenomena like near-death experiences (NDEs) and deathbed visions, mystical experiences reported on the threshold of death. Some NDEs, called “Peak in Darien” experiences, include visions of deceased people who are not known at the time to be dead. Cases of this kind provide some of the most persuasive evidence for the survival of consciousness after bodily death.

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Topics:
Afterlife, NDErs’ Descriptions of
Altered States and NDEs
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Nearing Death and NDEs—Deathbed Visions

Greyson, B., Holden, J. M., & Mounsey, J. P. (2006). Failure to elicit near-death experiences in induced cardiac arrest Journal of Near-Death Studies, 25(2) 85-98.

Abstract: Persons reporting near-death experiences (NDEs) sometimes describe a sense of having been out of their bodies and observing their surroundings from a visual perspective outside of and above their bodies. We attempted to study such phenomena during the surgical implantation of automatic implantable cardioverters/defibrillators (ICDs), electrical devices that monitor the patient's heartbeat and automatically detect cardiac arrest and administer an electrical shock to return the heart to normal rhythm. When ICDs are implanted in a patient's chest, cardiac arrest is induced under closely monitored conditions, in order to test the ICD's sensitivity and effectiveness. This study was designed to investigate the accuracy of out-of-body perceptions during NDEs that occur during these induced cardiac arrests. A computer in the operating room displayed quasi-randomly-selected unusual visual targets so that they were visible only from above eye level, from a visual perspective looking down upon the body of the unconscious patient. In a series of 52 induced cardiac arrests, no patient reported having had a near-death experience, and none reported a sense of having left the physical body or observing from an out-of-body visual perspective. This failure to find a single NDE in 52 induced cardiac arrests may have been due to preoperative reassurances that patients would not be in danger of dying, the brief duration of the induced cardiac arrest, or the amnestic effects of pre-anesthetic sedative medication.

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Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Circumstances of NDEs—Hospital
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Methodology in NDE Research
Veridical Perception during NDEs

Griffith, L. J. (2009). Near-death experiences and psychotherapy Psychiatry, 6(10) 35-42.

Abstract: Psychiatrists are likely to come into contact with patients who have had near-death experiences, who may have a variety of reactions to the experience, and who may benefit from psychotherapy. We may also have opportunities to work with individuals who are reacting to others who have had such experiences. There is much a psychiatrist can offer to these people, including listening respectfully, being nonjudgemental, normalizing the experience, providing education, and assisting with integrating the experience into their lives to develop or maintain the best possible functioning.

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Topics:
Counseling NDErs
Disclosure of NDEs
Education about NDEs
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Medical
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Psychological
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Social Workers
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Spiritual (chaplains, clergy)
Interpretations of NDEs
Psychopathology and NDEs NOS
Reactions to NDEr—by Family, Spouse

Hameroff, S. (2011). Response to "Could Pam Reynolds Hear?" Journal of Near-Death Studies, 30(1) 26-28.

Abstract: In this article, I reply to Gerald Woerlee’s (2011) this issue) claim that during Pam Reynolds’ near-death experience (NDE), she actually could hear through normal means. I respond in terms of my 35 years experience as a clinical anesthesiologist, researcher into mechanisms of anesthesia and consciousness, and proponent of a theory of non-local consciousness put forth by mathematical physicist Sir Roger Penrose and me.

Copyright:

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Altered States and NDEs
Characteristics of NDErs—Gender
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Sound, Hearing
Circumstances of NDEs—Consciousness and Unconsciousness
Circumstances of NDEs—Hospital
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Medical
Mental Processes and NDEs
Psychopharmacology and NDEs—Anesthesia
Science and NDEs
Veridical Perception during NDEs

Holden, J. M. (2007). More things in heaven and earth: A response to "Near-death experiences with hallucinatory features Journal of Near-Death Studies, 26(1) 33-42.

Abstract: In this response, I offer alternative arguments and conclusions to those Keith Augustine offered regarding discrepancies between some near-death experiencers' (NDErs') reports of events they perceived during their NDEs and objective information available about those events. I discuss limitations of anecdotes that leave open alternative interpretations of NDErs' narratives, assumptions regarding attentional and perceptual processes in the out-of-body state, and assumptions regarding the nature of consciousness. I also describe the method and results of a preliminary analysis of more than 100 cases of out-of-body NDEs that, I believe, provide a more accurate view of overall of the phenomenon of apparently nonphysical veridical perception during NDEs.

Copyright:

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Afterlife, Belief in
Altered States and NDEs
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Vision
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory NOS
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Interpretations of NDEs
Psychopathology and NDEs—Hallucinations
Veridical Perception during NDEs

Holden, J. M., Long, J., & MacLurg, J. (2006). Out-of-body experiences: All in the brain? Journal of Near-Death Studies, 25(2) 99-107.

Abstract: In 2002, four Swiss physicians published an article in the leading scientific journal Nature claiming to have induced an out-of-body experience (OBE) through focal electrical stimulation of the brain of a patient undergoing surgical evaluation for epilepsy treatment (Blanke, Ortigue, Landis, and Seeck, 2002). The article's subtitle authors claimed that "the part of the brain that can induce out-of-body experiences has been located" (Blanke, Ortigue, Landis, and Seeck, 2002, p.269) and the subtitle of the accompanying report on the journal's website read "stimulating brain region elicits illusion often attributed to the paranormal" (Pearson, 2002). We present arguments supporting the conclusion that the subtitle claims were not well-founded and that much research remains to be conducted to unravel the mystery of OBEs.

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Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Related Experiences NOS

Holden, J. M., Oden, K., Kozlowski, K., & Hayslip, B. (2011). Teaching about near-death experiences: The effectiveness of using The Day I Died OMEGA, 63(4) 373-388.

Abstract: In this article, we reviewed results of research on near-death experiences (NDEs) over the past 3 decades and examined the effect of viewing the hour-long 2002 BBC documentary The Day I Died: The Mind, the Brain, and Near-Death Experiences on accurate knowledge about near-death experiences among advanced undergraduates at a southwestern university. In a quasi-experimental research design, the experimental group completed a 20-item questionnaire before and after viewing the documentary (n = 66; 45 females, 21 males), and the waitlist control group completed the questionnaire as pre- and posttest before viewing the documentary (n = 39; 36 female, 3 male). The two groups’ scores at pretest were not significantly different (p > .05). Group by occasion repeated measures ANOVA revealed the experimental group’s posttest scores moved significantly in the direction of correctness with a large effect size (p < .001; ?2 = .56), whereas waitlist control group posttest scores remained similar to pretest scores. We discuss two exceptions to the effectiveness of the documentary and recommendations for educators using it as well as for future research.

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Topics:
Education about NDEs
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Psychological
Media Treatment of NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research
Veridical Perception during NDEs

Irwin, H. J. (2007). Commentary on Keith Augustine's paper Journal of Near-Death Studies, 26(2) 159-161.

Abstract: Keith Augustine has provided a useful survey of the psychological and neurological correlates of near-death experiences and out-of-body experiences. The empirical findings he cites may prove awkward to accommodate under current separationist accounts of these experiences, although proponents of the separationist approach may be able to refine their theories so as to enhance their predictive power in this regard.

Copyright:

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Afterlife, Belief in
Altered States and NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological NOS
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Psychopathology and NDEs—Dissociation
Related Experiences NOS

Kellehear, A. (2007). Culture and the near-death experience: Comments on Keith Augustine's "Psychophysiological and cultural correlates undermining a survivalist interpretation of a near-death experience" Journal of Near-Death Studies, 26(2) 147-153.

Abstract: This paper is a sociological commentary on the leading paper by Keith Augustine. It discusses the relationship between social expectations and culture as well as extending the discussion about the possibility that near-death experiences may not be a singular entity. I suggest there are sound grounds for developing a typology of experiences that have different and or overlapping causes and phenomenology.

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Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Afterlife, Belief in
Altered States and NDEs
Cross-Cultural NDEs (outside the U.S.)—non-Western
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Sociological
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Interpretations of NDEs
Psychopathology and NDEs—Hallucinations

Kellehear, A. (2008). Census of non-Western near-death experiences to 2005: Overview of the current data Journal of Near-Death Studies, 26(4) 249-265.

Abstract: This paper provides a census of non-Western near-death experiences (NDEs), noting similarities and differences in features with Western NDEs and other non-Western NDEs. The two aims of this current review are to update previous transcultural reviews with current data and to describe both crosscultural and culture-specific features of NDEs.

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Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Spiritual
Characteristics of NDEs—Life Review
Characteristics of NDEs—Otherworldly Environments
Characteristics of NDEs—Tunnel Experiences
Cross-Cultural NDEs (outside the U.S.)—Western
Cross-Cultural NDEs (outside the U.S.)—non-Western
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Sociological
Interpretations of NDEs
Language and NDEs

Klemenc-Ketis, Z., Grmec, S., & Kersnik, J. (2011). Near-death experiences and electrocardiogram patterns in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors: A prospective observational study Signa Vitae, 6(1) 31-35.

Abstract: Aim. To determine the effect of several factors, that are a part of cardiac arrest and resuscitation, on the incidence of near-death experiences (NDEs). Methods. We conducted a prospective observational study in the three largest hospitals in Slovenia in a consecutive sample of patients after out-of-hospital primary cardiac arrest. The presence of NDE was assessed with the self-administered Greyson’s near-death experiences scale. The electrocardiogram pattern at the beginning of resuscitation was recorded. Main outcome measure was the presence of near-death experiences. Univariate analysis was used. Results. The study included 52 patients. There were 42 (80.8%) males in the sample; median age ± standard deviation of the patients was 53.1 ± 14.5 years. Near-death experiences were reported by 11 (21.2%) patients. Patients with ventricular fibrillation had significantly less NDEs than other patients (12.2% vs. 54.5%, p = 0.006). Patients with pulseless electrical activity had significantly more NDEs than others (60.0% vs. 11.9%, p = 0.003). Patients with asystole and pulseless electrical fibrillation had significantly more NDEs than patients who had ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia (60.0% vs. 11.9%, p = 0.003). Patients with at least one defibrillation attempt had significantly less near-death experiences than others (62.5% vs. 13.6%, p = 0.007). Conclusion. Our study found a possible correlation between electrocardiogram pattern in cardiac arrest patients and the incidence of near-death experiences. Further studies should address this problem in larger samples.

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Topics:
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Adults
Characteristics of NDErs—Education Level
Characteristics of NDErs—Gender
Characteristics of NDErs—Religious Affiliations
Characteristics of NDErs NOS
Circumstances of NDEs—Hospital
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological NOS
Methodology in NDE Research

Klemenc-Ketis, Z., Kersnik, J., & Grmec, S. (2010). The effect of carbon dioxide on near-death experiences in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors: A prospective observational study Critical Care, 14(2) 1-7.

Abstract: Introduction: Near-death experiences (NDEs) are reported by 11-23% of cardiac arrest survivors. Several theories concerning the mechanisms of NDEs exist - including physical, psychological, and transcendental reasons - but so far none of these has satisfactorily explained this phenomenon. In this study, we investigated the effect of partial pressures of O2 and CO2, and serum levels of Na and K on the occurrence of NDEs in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the three largest hospitals in Slovenia. Fifty-two consecutive patients (median age 53.1 years, 42 males) after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest were included. The presence of NDEs was assessed with a self-administered Greyson’s NDE scale. The initial partial pressure of end-tidal CO2, the arterial blood partial pressures of O2 and CO2 and the levels of Na and K in venous blood were analysed and studied. Univariate analyses and multiple regression models were used. Results: NDEs were reported by 11 (21.2%) of the patients. Patients with higher initial partial pressures of end-tidal CO2 had significantly more NDEs (p < 0.01). Patients with higher arterial blood partial pressures of CO2 had significantly more NDEs (p = 0.041). Scores on a NDE scale were positively correlated with partial pressures of CO2 (p = 0.017) and with serum levels of potassium (p = 0.026). The logistic regression model for the presence of NDEs (p = 0.002) explained 46% of the variance and revealed higher partial pressures of CO2 to be an independent predictor of NDEs. The linear regression model for a higher score on the NDE scale (p = 0.001) explained 34% of the variance and revealed higher partial pressures of CO2, higher serum levels of K, and previous NDEs as independent predictors of the NDE score. Conclusions: Higher concentrations of CO2 proved significant, and higher serum levels of K might be important in the provoking of NDEs. Since these associations have not been reported before, our study adds novel information to the field of NDEs phenomena.

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Topics:
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Adults
Characteristics of NDErs—Education Level
Characteristics of NDErs—Gender
Characteristics of NDErs—Religious Affiliations
Characteristics of NDErs NOS
Circumstances of NDEs—Hospital
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Anoxia
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological NOS
Methodology in NDE Research