Citations

Below and on the following pages are all NDE Research Index citations for the group indicated just below as "Selected". The citations appear in alphabetical order by last name of sole or first author. Articles without a designated author are listed by the author designation "Staff." "NOS" means "not otherwise specified." To save space, citations are shown compressed. To see all the information related to a citation, click on the title to expand.

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Norton, M. C., & Sahlman, J. M. (1995). Describing the light: Attribution theory as an explanation of the near-death experience. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 13(3) 167-184.

Norton, M. C., & Sahlman, J. M. (1995). Describing the light: Attribution theory as an explanation of the near-death experience. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 13(3) 167-184.
Abstract: Attribution theory--which states that by offering causal explanations, individuals attempt to answer questions of “why?”--focuses on how information is used to create causal inferences and answer causal questions. The finding that near-death experiencers rarely describe unknown events, characters, or objects suggests that NDErs make attributions to answer why these experiences occurred. Examining various descriptions of NDEs demonstrates how attribution theory explains individuals’ descriptions of their NDEs.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Accounts of NDEs—Autobiographical
Characteristics of NDErs NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Spiritual
Characteristics of NDEs—Return, Involuntary
Characteristics of NDEs—Return, Voluntary
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Kinesthetic
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Disclosure of NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Interpretations of NDEs
Language and NDEs
Serdahely, W. J. (1995). Variations from the prototypic near-death experience: The 'individually tailored' hypothesis. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 13(3) 185-196.

Serdahely, W. J. (1995). Variations from the prototypic near-death experience: The 'individually tailored' hypothesis. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 13(3) 185-196.
Abstract: A nonrandom sample of firsthand accounts of near-death experience (NDEs) revealed a number of variations from the prototypic NDE description, including feeling judged during a life review, seeing a non-deceased friend in the tunnel, experiencing no pain upon returning to the physical body, and crossing a barrier before being sent back. The prototypic NDE model is useful in giving an overview of NDEs, but ultimately the theoretical framework of near-death studies will have to accommodate these and other variations from the prototype. The “individually tailored” hypothesis, put forth to account for many of these variations, states that each NDEr receives what he or she needs during the NDE in a way that NDEr is able to accept.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Accounts of NDEs—Biographical, Cases
Aftereffects of NDEs—Emotional
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Death
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Life
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—Age, Children and Adolescents
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—Return, Involuntary
Characteristics of NDEs—Return NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Kinesthetic
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Sound, Hearing
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Sound, Music
Characteristics of NDEs—Tunnel Experiences
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Circumstances of NDEs—Accident
Circumstances of NDEs NOS
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Healing and NDEs—Physical
Healing and NDEs—Psychological
Methodology in NDE Research
Related Experiences NOS
Thaler, S. L. (1995). Death of a Gedanken creature. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 13(3) 149-466.

Thaler, S. L. (1995). Death of a Gedanken creature. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 13(3) 149-466.
Abstract: This paper describes a thought experiment in which a hypothetical creature created by a computer program inhabits a simple universe consisting of itself, food, and predators. As this creature “dies” it “internally” experiences these environmental features independent of their actual presence. More evolved hypothetical creatures generate novel forms of “inner” experience as they “die.” Applying these results to humans suggests an “internal” genesis of near-death experiences.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Artificial Intelligence and NDEs
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Mental Processes and NDEs
Science and NDEs
Hoffman, R. M. (1995). Disclosure needs and motives after a near-death experience. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 13(4) 237-266.

Hoffman, R. M. (1995). Disclosure needs and motives after a near-death experience. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 13(4) 237-266.
Abstract: I analyze the communication processes used by 50 near-death experiencers and discuss their disclosure needs and motives as well as influences and obstacles that affect disclosure habits. The findings suggest that disclosure needs evolve through stages after an experience, and reveal five distinct disclosure motives.
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—Cognitive
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
Aftereffects of NDEs NOS
Afterlife, Belief in
Altered States and NDEs
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Adults
Characteristics of NDErs—Gender
Characteristics of NDErs—Occupation
Circumstances of NDEs—Accident
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Circumstances of NDEs—Suicide
Circumstances of NDEs—Time Elapse
Circumstances of NDEs NOS
Disclosure of NDEs
Education about NDEs
Language and NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research
Non-NDErs' Attitudes toward NDEs
Spirituality and NDEs
Atwater, P. M. H. (1995). A call to reconsider the field of near-death studies. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 14(1) 5-15.

Atwater, P. M. H. (1995). A call to reconsider the field of near-death studies. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 14(1) 5-15.
Abstract: In this commentary I take remarks previously made in this Journal about frightening near-death experiences and the possibility of near-death being a kundalini breakthrough as license for me to ask for a reconsideration of near-death research. Since the International Association for Near-Death Studies has now established a special fund for the purpose of launching the kind of large-scale clinical, multi-disciplinary research so needed in the field, I appeal for contributions to that fund, so near-death research can advance to its next stage, one of international professionalism.
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
Aftereffects of NDEs NOS
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Children and Adolescents
Characteristics of NDErs—Religious Affiliations
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Distressing
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Pleasurable
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Life Review
Characteristics of NDEs—Otherworldly Environments
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory NOS
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Disclosure of NDEs
Interpretations of NDEs
Kundalini and NDEs
Media Treatment of NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research
Psychopathology and NDEs NOS
Becker, C. B. (1995). A philosopher's view of near-death research. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 14(1) 17-27.

Becker, C. B. (1995). A philosopher's view of near-death research. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 14(1) 17-27.
Abstract: This article summarizes some trends and issues raised by a review of recent articles in the Journal of Near-Death Studies. It points to a need for clarity on the problems of monism and dualism, on the definitions of near-death experiences (NDEs), on reasoning by analogy, and on hypothesis testing and falsification. While recognizing the superficial similarities between NDEs and a broad range of spiritual experiences, psychotic syndromes, and psychological states, it urges a nonreductionist focus on those issues amenable to recognized research methodologies.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Characteristics of NDErs—Psychological Profile
Characteristics of NDErs—Trauma and Abuse
Definition of NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Philosophical
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological NOS
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Kundalini and NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research
Psychopathology and NDEs—Dissociation
Related Experiences—NDE-Like
Science and NDEs
Green, J. T. (1995). Lucid dreams as one method of replicating components of the near-death experience in a laboratory setting. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 14(1) 49-59.

Green, J. T. (1995). Lucid dreams as one method of replicating components of the near-death experience in a laboratory setting. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 14(1) 49-59.
Abstract: A large phenomenological overlap among lucid dreams, out-of-body experiences, and near-death experiences suggests the possibility of developing a methodology of replicating components of the near-death experience using newly developed methods of inducing lucid dreams. Reports in the literature of both spontaneous and induced near-death-experience-like episodes during lucid dreams suggest a possible protocol. Raymond Moody’s (1993) use of mirror gazing is seen as a major advancement in the field of near-death studies, not only from a methodological standpoint, but also because it represents the first attempt to develop therapeutic interventions based on these experiences.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Circumstances of NDEs—Induced Non-chemically
Dreams and NDEs
Healing and NDEs—Psychological
Methodology in NDE Research
Related Experiences—NDE-Like
Related Experiences NOS
Hoffman, R. M. (1995). Disclosure habits after near-death experiences: Influences, obstacles, and listener selection. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 14(1) 29-48.

Hoffman, R. M. (1995). Disclosure habits after near-death experiences: Influences, obstacles, and listener selection. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 14(1) 29-48.
Abstract: Based on research gathered through interviews with 50 near-death experiencers (NDErs), this essay describes habits of disclosure regarding NDEs. Major influences and obstacles to disclosure are discussed, as well as issues involved in listener selection. Finally, some comments about secrecy emphasize the importance of discerning between appropriate, nourishing choices of secrecy and choices of beneficial disclosure.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Accounts of NDEs—Biographical, Cases
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Distressing
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Sound, Hearing
Characteristics of NDEs—Tunnel Experiences
Circumstances of NDEs—Suicide
Disclosure of NDEs
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Medical
Humor about NDEs
Media Treatment of NDEs
Non-NDErs' Attitudes toward NDEs
Psychopathology and NDEs—Hallucinations
Veridical Perception during NDEs
Arnette, J. K. (1995). The theory of essence. II. An electromagnetic-quantum mechanical model of interactionism. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 14(2) 77-99.

Arnette, J. K. (1995). The theory of essence. II. An electromagnetic-quantum mechanical model of interactionism. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 14(2) 77-99.
Abstract: The theory of essence, based on the physics of electromagnetism and quantum mechanics, solves the problem of interaction resulting from Descartes's dualistic conception of human nature. The theory is empirically based in phenomena consistently reported by near-death experiencers. These phenomena are divided into four categories of interaction experienced by the dissociated mind (or essence), each of which is analogous to properties of electric dipoles. I compare the theory of essence with Descartes's interactionist propositions and propose an experimental test of the theory.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Disclosure of NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Philosophical
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological NOS
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Language and NDEs
Mental Processes and NDEs
Science and NDEs
Kazanis, D. (1995). The physical basis of subtle bodies and near-death experiences. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 14(2) 101-116.

Kazanis, D. (1995). The physical basis of subtle bodies and near-death experiences. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 14(2) 101-116.
Abstract: The discovery of “dark matter” may provide the key to an age-old mystery concerning the nature of humanity. “Dark matter” cannot be seen or felt, but composes at least 90 percent of the physical universe. Since it is not composed of charged particles, it cannot produce electromagnetic waves and can interpenetrate with our visible charge-carrying matter. I suggest that “dark matter” is the matter of mysticism, which constitutes the subtle bodies and was present before (and responsible for) the Big Bang that created visible matter.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory NOS
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Explanations of NDEs—Parapsychological
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological NOS
Mental Processes and NDEs
Science and NDEs
Alschuler, A. S. (1996). Near-death prophecies of disaster and the new age: Are they true? Journal of Near-Death Studies, 14(3) 159-177.

Alschuler, A. S. (1996). Near-death prophecies of disaster and the new age: Are they true? Journal of Near-Death Studies, 14(3) 159-177.
Abstract: Planetary visions of many near-death-experiences predicted a rise in disasters culminating in economic breakdown and the possibility of nuclear war in 1987-88, though the apocalypse could be postponed if human beings increased their love for God, each other, and the earth (the New Age Effect). I examined long-range data and found trend reversals in 1987-88: increases in religiosity, service, and United Nations peacekeeping efforts, and decreases in chlorofluorocarbon production, nuclear warhead stockpiles, arms exports, and interest in economic well-being. Long-range trend data also show rises in the number of weather disasters, fires, and accidents peaking in 1987-88 and then declining. The correlation of these diverse, predicted trends supports the hypothesized New Age Effect. Further research is suggested for testing the New Age Effect.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, Precognition
Evolution and NDEs
Religion and NDEs NOS
Floyd, K. (1996). ECT: TNT or TLC? A near-death experience triggered by electroconvulsive therapy. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 14(3) 187-195.

Floyd, K. (1996). ECT: TNT or TLC? A near-death experience triggered by electroconvulsive therapy. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 14(3) 187-195.
Abstract: I report an experience in the course of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) that was indistinguishable from an NDE. Aspects of the experience that had been terrifying for the individual were counterbalanced by her immediate and complete recovery from a suicidal depression. Beyond the transpersonal aspects of her NDE-like experience, the ECT triggered a precognitive vision that materialized two years later.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Accounts of NDEs—Biographical, Cases
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Distressing
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Pleasurable
Characteristics of NDEs—Life Review
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, Precognition
Characteristics of NDEs—Tunnel Experiences
Circumstances of NDEs—Consciousness and Unconsciousness
Circumstances of NDEs—Induced Chemically
Circumstances of NDEs—Induced Non-chemically
Circumstances of NDEs—Stress
Circumstances of NDEs NOS
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Healing and NDEs—Psychological
Mental Processes and NDEs
Psychopharmacology and NDEs—Anesthesia
Pacciolla, A. (1996). The near-death experience: A study of its validity. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 14(3) 179-185.

Pacciolla, A. (1996). The near-death experience: A study of its validity. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 14(3) 179-185.
Abstract: An Italian translation of Greyson’s (1983a) NDE Scale was administered to 125 individuals who had been resuscitated at a hospital in Italy. By NDE Scale criteria 37.5 percent of those who returned the questionnaire had authentic NDEs. These data suggest some limitations to Greyson’s NDE Scale and recommendations for future research.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Characteristics of NDErs—Age NOS
Characteristics of NDErs—Gender
Characteristics of NDErs—Socioeconomic Status
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions NOS
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—Perception of Time
Characteristics of NDEs—Return, Involuntary
Characteristics of NDEs—Return, Voluntary
Characteristics of NDEs—Return NOS
Circumstances of NDEs—Accident
Circumstances of NDEs—Hospital
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Circumstances of NDEs NOS
Cross-Cultural NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Sociological
Methodology in NDE Research
Spencer, M. (1996). Dissociation: Normal or abnormal? Journal of Near-Death Studies, 14(3) 145-157.

Spencer, M. (1996). Dissociation: Normal or abnormal? Journal of Near-Death Studies, 14(3) 145-157.
Abstract: Recent articles have addressed the question of whether or not the out-of-body experience reported by many people near death is a form of dissociative behavior. If so, is it related to other mental or emotional pathologies or is it a normal protective response to stress? This paper explores the history of dissociation and related terms, uncovering a multiplicity of uses and connotations. New orientations in physics and the rise of the New Science in the form of Chaos Theory allow a plethora of additional interpretations.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Psychopathology and NDEs—Dissociation
Psychopathology and NDEs NOS
Science and NDEs
Gomez-Jeria, J. S., & Madrid-Aliste, C. (1996). Evolution and the relationship between brain and mind states. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 14(4) 251-272.

Gomez-Jeria, J. S., & Madrid-Aliste, C. (1996). Evolution and the relationship between brain and mind states. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 14(4) 251-272.
Abstract: We discuss the phylogenetic basis of states of consciousness, and present the central theses of monism and dualism, in which near-death experiences (NDEs) enjoy very different ontological statuses. Next we summarize the evolution of the genus Homo, with emphasis on neuroanatomical changes, and define brain and consciousness states. Data suggest that consciousness states are produced by brain states. We address the problem of states of consciousness in other species because consciousness states seem to emerge from a phylogenetic continuum, and analyze problems connected with verbal reports of internal experiences. Finally we examine NDEs as brain states/consciousness states, and conclude that we need further study of elements appearing in each NDE with their order of appearance. We discuss problems in the relationship between brain states and consciousness states, and conclude that science does not need a paradigm shift to deal with NDE data.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Altered States and NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Anoxia
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Atwater, P. M. H. (1996). Children and the near-death phenomenon: Another viewpoint. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 15(1) 5-16.

Atwater, P. M. H. (1996). Children and the near-death phenomenon: Another viewpoint. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 15(1) 5-16.
Abstract: Children who brush death, nearly die, or who are pronounced clinically dead but later revive have a much higher incidence of near-death experiences (NDEs) than do adults. Although excellent research now exists on children’s cases, there have been discrepancies. I suggest that we need to broaden the range of observations on children’s NDEs and reconsider what is known about children and the near-death phenomenon.
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—Cognitive
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—Sense of Self, Psychological and Physical
Aftereffects of NDEs NOS
Animals and NDEs
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Children and Adolescents
Characteristics of NDErs—Occupation
Characteristics of NDErs—Trauma and Abuse
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—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, Kinesthetic
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Sound, Hearing
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Sound, Music
Characteristics of NDEs—Tunnel Experiences
Circumstances of NDEs—Hospital
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Counseling NDErs
Disclosure of NDEs
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Medical
Non-NDErs' Attitude Change after Learning about NDEs
Non-NDErs' Attitudes toward NDEs
Psychopathology and NDEs NOS
Veridical Perception during NDEs
Serdahely, W. J. (1996). Questions for the 'dying brain hypothesis'. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 15(1) 41-53.

Serdahely, W. J. (1996). Questions for the 'dying brain hypothesis'. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 15(1) 41-53.
Abstract: I pose four questions for the “dying brain hypothesis” as propounded by Susan Blackmore in her book Dying to Live (1993). The first calls into question Blackmore’s reductionist explanation of the “bird’s-eye-view” for a near-death experience (NDE) and asks why out-of-body perception from a supine position is not reported, given her theory. The second inquires as to how the materialist view explains NDErs’ feelings of unconditional love, while the third ponders whether the variance among NDEs noted by Blackmore is not more consistent with the “afterlife hypothesis” than with the “dying brain hypothesis.” The final question queries whether neural disinhibition, described by Blackmore, might be a possible release mechanism for an NDE. I suggest that these four questions pose a challenge to the “dying brain hypothesis.”
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Accounts of NDEs—Biographical, Cases
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 NOS
Circumstances of NDEs—Induced Chemically
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Mental Processes and NDEs
Related Experiences NOS
Spirituality and NDEs
Thaler, S. L. (1996). The death dream and near-death Darwinism. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 15(1) 25-40.

Thaler, S. L. (1996). The death dream and near-death Darwinism. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 15(1) 25-40.
Abstract: Based upon very repeatable computer simulations of dying neural networks, the phenomena of both near-death experiences (NDEs) and a virtual afterlife are plausible and can be expected to occur in traumatized neurobiological systems. I speculate that: (1) the sociological impact of this finding is consistent with the teachings of many of the world’s major religions and forms the basis of a credible model of both salvation and damnation; (2) both NDEs and the perceived afterlife may serve to advance the species and self-organizing systems (life) in general; and (3) further, in a fierce competition to attain the most comfortable afterlife illusion, individuals strive to convince themselves that they are more deserving of redemption than others. Within this struggle are born the sociological tools of “good” and “evil.”
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Artificial Intelligence and NDEs
Dreams and NDEs
Evolution and NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Sociological
Mental Processes and NDEs
Science and NDEs
Bache, C. M. (1996). Expanding Grof's concept of the perinatal: Deepening the inquiry into frightening near-death experiences. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 15(2) 115-139.

Bache, C. M. (1996). Expanding Grof's concept of the perinatal: Deepening the inquiry into frightening near-death experiences. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 15(2) 115-139.
Abstract: This study suggests that in order to explain the phenomenology of perinatal experience, as described in the work of Stanislav Grof, we must hypothesize that the patient in these instances has expanded beyond the individual subject. Rupert Sheldrake’s concept of morphic fields is incorporated to suggest that the patient in these sessions might best be conceptualized as the species itself, or the morphic field of the species mind. Possible explanations for Grof’s tilt toward personal psychology in his presentation of perinatal dynamics are explored. The implications of this expansion of perinatal theory for understanding frightening near-death experiences are summarized.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Altered States and NDEs
Birth Trauma and NDEs
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Distressing
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Circumstances of NDEs—Induced Chemically
Counseling NDErs
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Mental Processes and NDEs
Related Experiences—NDE-Like
Theories, NDE-Related, Psychological—Grof
Ellwood, G. F. (1996). Distressing near-death experiences as photographic negatives. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 15(2) 83-114.

Ellwood, G. F. (1996). Distressing near-death experiences as photographic negatives. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 15(2) 83-114.
Abstract: This essay presents various interpretative frameworks for painful near-death experiences (NDEs). It describes Bruce Greyson and Nancy Evans Bush’s three-part typology of inverted NDEs, everlasting void experiences, and hellish experiences, suggesting a further breakdown of the latter into entity-centered and fire-centered. A potential fourth category is the empathetic life review. As a religious context for distressing experiences, I present Rudolf Otto’s concept of the nonrational mysterium tremendum. The major rational paradigms that have been applied to such experiences can be categorized as the supernaturalistic, the reductionistic, and the one-world types. I give examples of several kinds of one-world views, particularly three Christian mystics of early modern times, and offer suggestions of ways in which elements of different one-world views might be combined.
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—Out-of-Body Experiences
Afterlife, Belief in
Altered States and NDEs
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Distressing
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Pleasurable
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions NOS
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 NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Perception of Time
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Sound, Hearing
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Circumstances of NDEs—Accident
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Circumstances of NDEs NOS
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Philosophical
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Famous People's NDEs
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Psychological
Interpretations of NDEs
Religion and NDEs—Buddhism
Religion and NDEs—Christianity
Religion and NDEs—Mysticism
Religion and NDEs NOS
Spiritualism and NDEs
Spirituality and NDEs
Crumbaugh, J. C. (1997). A contribution of Frankl's logotherapy to the interpretation of near-death experiences. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 15(3) 155-161.

Crumbaugh, J. C. (1997). A contribution of Frankl's logotherapy to the interpretation of near-death experiences. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 15(3) 155-161.
Abstract: Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy seeks to help individuals find meaning in personal life experiences. It resolves potential conflicting sources of meaning by the application of the Laws of Dimensional Ontology, which validate apparently conflicting viewpoints. The application of these laws to the interpretation of near-death experiences (NDEs) resolves the conflict between the orthodox scientific view of NDEs as hallucination and the experiential view of them as experiences of the afterlife to come. Applying Frankl’s shadowgraph analogy, both seemingly irreconcilable interpretations of the NDE can be accepted as having valid meaning in different dimensions of reality.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Afterlife, Belief in
Dreams and NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Philosophical
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Interpretations of NDEs
Psychopathology and NDEs—Hallucinations
Science and NDEs
Spirituality and NDEs
Top, B. L. (1997). Thought communication, speed of movement, and the spirit's ability to absorb knowledge: Near-death experiences and early Mormon thought. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 15(3) 203-216.

Top, B. L. (1997). Thought communication, speed of movement, and the spirit's ability to absorb knowledge: Near-death experiences and early Mormon thought. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 15(3) 203-216.
Abstract: Three of Charles Flynn’s (1986) “core elements” of near-death experiences (NDEs) have special interest to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) because of their striking similarity to the doctrinal teachings of 19th-century Mormon leaders and theologians. This article illustrates these three NDE characteristics—thought communication, speed of movement, and the ability to “absorb” knowledge—by comparing contemporary NDE accounts with both the religious teachings of 19th-century Mormon church leaders and the accepted doctrines of modern Mormonism.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Afterlife, NDErs’ Descriptions of
Characteristics of NDEs—Increased Knowledge, Thoughts
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, ESP
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Kinesthetic
Religion and NDEs—Christianity, Mormonism
Gibbs, J. C. (1997). Surprise - and discovery? - in the near-death experience. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 15(4) 259-278.

Gibbs, J. C. (1997). Surprise - and discovery? - in the near-death experience. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 15(4) 259-278.
Abstract: Expressions of surprise and puzzlement lend a ring of authenticity to self-reports of near-death experiences (NDEs). In the autoscopic component of the NDE, experiencers have reported surprise upon identifying an observed body as their own; upon finding that they are unable to affect earthly events or people; and upon experiencing extraordinary visual and mobile abilities. In the transcendental component, experiencers are often surprised that their “eyes” do not hurt in the presence of an intense light, and that deceased loved ones come to them, particularly in those cases in which the subject reports the presence of a loved one whose recent death was not known to the subject. Surprise typically indicates the discovery of novel features of reality during the cognition-reality interplay that makes learning possible. If at least some NDE surprises are discoveries in a nonsubjective sense, then that cognition-reality interplay can continue during moments near death as subjects learn that self and reality must be understood to include a nonmaterial realm.
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 NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Kinesthetic
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Interpretations of NDEs
Non-NDErs' Attitude Change after Learning about NDEs
Non-NDErs' Attitudes toward NDEs
Psychopathology and NDEs—Hallucinations
Psychopathology and NDEs NOS
Science and NDEs
Bianchi, A. (1997). Comments on 'The ketamine model of the near-death experience: A central role for the n-methyl-d-aspartate receptor'. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 16(1) 71-78.

Bianchi, A. (1997). Comments on 'The ketamine model of the near-death experience: A central role for the n-methyl-d-aspartate receptor'. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 16(1) 71-78.
Abstract: Although ketamine can induce a state similar to a near-death experience (NDE), there is a striking difference between experiences induced by ketamine used in a recreational context and in an operating room. Ketamine is a noncompetitive antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, as is ibogaine, the main alkaloid of a shrub used in Central Africa to induce NDEs in a religious context. Ibogaine can also elicit different experiences when used in a hallucinatory context or in initiatic rituals, where a superficial state of coma is induced. These data raise the question of whether the chemically-induced NDE-like experience is related to the use of a particular kind of substance or to a genuine comatose state.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Altered States and NDEs
Circumstances of NDEs—Induced Chemically
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Psychopathology and NDEs—Hallucinations
Psychopharmacology and NDEs—Anesthesia
Related Experiences—NDE-Like
Religion and NDEs—Indigenous Cultures
Fenwick, P. (1997). Is the near-death experience only n-methyl-d-aspartate blocking? Journal of Near-Death Studies, 16(1) 43-53.

Fenwick, P. (1997). Is the near-death experience only n-methyl-d-aspartate blocking? Journal of Near-Death Studies, 16(1) 43-53.
Abstract: Karl Jansen’s interesting hypothesis that near-death experiences (NDEs) result from blockade of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor has several weaknesses. Some NDEs occur to individuals who are neither near death nor experiencing any event likely to upset cerebral physiology as Jansen proposed; thus his hypothesis applies only to a subset of NDEs that occur in catastrophic circumstances. For that subset, the clarity of NDEs and the clear memory for the experience afterward are inconsistent with compromised cerebral function. Jansen’s analogy between NDEs and ketamine-induced hallucinations is weakened by the fact that most ketamine users do not believe the events they perceived really happened. Temporal lobe seizures do not resemble NDEs as Jansen postulated; they are confusional, rarely ecstatic, and never clear, as are NDEs, nor are they remembered afterward. Jansen’s hypothesis assumes the standard scientific view that brain processes are entirely responsible for subjective experience; however, NDEs suggest that that concept of the mind may be too limited, and that in fact personal experience may continue beyond death of the brain.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Altered States and NDEs
Circumstances of NDEs—Induced Chemically
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Mental Processes and NDEs
Psychopathology and NDEs—Hallucinations
Psychopharmacology and NDEs—Anesthesia
Related Experiences—NDE-Like
Jansen, K. L. R. (1997). The ketamine model of the near-death experience: A central role for the n-methyl-d-aspartate receptor. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 16(1) 5-26.

Jansen, K. L. R. (1997). The ketamine model of the near-death experience: A central role for the n-methyl-d-aspartate receptor. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 16(1) 5-26.
Abstract: Near-death experiences (NDEs) can be reproduced by ketamine via blockade of receptors in the brain for the neurotransmitter glutamate, the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Conditions that precipitate NDEs, such as hypoxia, ischemia, hypoglycemia, and temporal lobe epilepsy, have been shown to release a flood of glutamate, overactivating NMDA receptors and resulting in neurotoxicity. Ketamine prevents this neurotoxicity. There are substances in the brain that bind to the same receptor site as ketamine. Conditions that trigger a glutamate flood may also trigger a flood of neuroprotective agents that bind to NMDA receptors to protect cells, leading to an altered state of consciousness like that produced by ketamine.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Altered States and NDEs
Circumstances of NDEs—Induced Chemically
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Psychopathology and NDEs—Dissociation
Psychopharmacology and NDEs—Anesthesia
Related Experiences—NDE-Like
Sensory Deprivation and NDEs
Jansen, K. L. R. (1997). Response to commentaries on 'The ketamine model of the near death experience...'. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 16(1) 79-95.

Jansen, K. L. R. (1997). Response to commentaries on 'The ketamine model of the near death experience...'. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 16(1) 79-95.
Abstract: The commentators on my paper raised several interesting issues. Set and setting do influence drug effects, but they also influence near-death experiences (NDEs). Some NDEs are very anxiety-generating, just like some ketamine experiences, though frightening NDEs have been ignored by most researchers. High frequency, compulsive ketamine use is rare. While dimethyltryptamine (DMT) may induce NDEs, this is far from typical, while NDE-like effects are typical of ketamine. Rapidity of onset is not related to the capacity of a drug to induce NDEs. The reality of endopsychosins is doubtful, but the reality of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) blocking mechanisms is not. NDEs and dream sleep may involve similar mechanisms. Altered states of consciousness do not require a normally functioning brain. Finally, I discuss the possible evolutionary advantage of the NDE mechanism.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Altered States and NDEs
Circumstances of NDEs—Induced Chemically
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Kungurtsev, I. (1997). Which comes first: Consciousness or aspartate receptors? Journal of Near-Death Studies, 16(1) 55-57.

Kungurtsev, I. (1997). Which comes first: Consciousness or aspartate receptors? Journal of Near-Death Studies, 16(1) 55-57.
Abstract: This paper is a critique of Karl Jansen’s hypothesis that near-death and ketamine experiences are caused by blockade of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. An assumption that consciousness and its alterations are merely the product of neuronal activity is only one of many possible beliefs about reality. An alternative, which can be verified through one’s own direct experience, is that consciousness is always a subject and body is only its object. The objects come and go; consciousness remains.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Explanations of NDEs—Philosophical
Strassman, R. J. (1997). Endogenous ketamine-like compounds and the NDE: If so, so what? Journal of Near-Death Studies, 16(1) 27-41.

Strassman, R. J. (1997). Endogenous ketamine-like compounds and the NDE: If so, so what? Journal of Near-Death Studies, 16(1) 27-41.
Abstract: This commentary on Karl Jansen’s ketamine model for the near-death experience expands upon and raises additional questions about several issues and hypotheses: self-experimentation as a source of data; ketamine’s similarities to and differences from classical hallucinogens; the need for quantification of unusual subjective states; clinical research and toxicological implications of this model; drugs as gateways to “religious” states; and “evolutionary” versus “religious” significance of naturally occurring compounds released in the near-death state. I suggest future research that could help explicate several of these areas.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Altered States and NDEs
Circumstances of NDEs—Induced Chemically
Methodology in NDE Research
Psychopathology and NDEs—Hallucinations
Psychopharmacology and NDEs—Anesthesia
Related Experiences—NDE-Like
Horacek, B. J. (1997). Amazing grace: The healing effects of near-death experiences on those dying and grieving. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 16(2) 149-161.

Horacek, B. J. (1997). Amazing grace: The healing effects of near-death experiences on those dying and grieving. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 16(2) 149-161.
Abstract: Kenneth Ring (1991) argued that near-death experiences (NDEs) act as compensatory gifts helping individuals cope with and understand life’s difficulties. He saw NDEs as conferring “amazing grace” on individuals whose lives were spinning out of control toward self-destruction. Expanding on Ring’s contention that NDEs can be seen as healing gifts, this study presents evidence of seven categorical situations where participating in or knowledge of NDEs and near-death awareness experiences serve as healing agents in facing one’s own death or the death of a significant other. NDEs and nearing death awareness seem to free persons from paralyzing death anxiety and, consequently, allow them to focus on additional ways help each other face dying and grieving.
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
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Adults
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Children and Adolescents
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Pleasurable
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, ESP
Characteristics of NDEs—Return, Involuntary
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Kinesthetic
Characteristics of NDEs—Tunnel Experiences
Circumstances of NDEs—Accident
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Circumstances of NDEs—Induced Chemically
Disclosure of NDEs
Healing and NDEs—Physical
Healing and NDEs—Psychological
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Psychological
Nearing Death and NDEs—Deathbed Visions
Nearing Death and NDEs NOS
Non-NDErs' Attitudes toward NDEs
Jambor, M. (1997). The mystery of frightening transcendent experiences: A rejoinder to Nancy Evans Bush and Christopher Bache. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 16(2) 163-176.

Jambor, M. (1997). The mystery of frightening transcendent experiences: A rejoinder to Nancy Evans Bush and Christopher Bache. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 16(2) 163-176.
Abstract: In this essay, I review Christopher Bache’s (1994) perinatal account of near-death experiences (NDEs) and suggest that it does not go far enough. I then present a new model, bliss/abyss, derived from the study of mysticism; show that pleasant and frightening NDEs can be accommodated within the model; and discuss the predictions that can be drawn from the theoretical framework. The implication for near-death research is that there may be several types of frightening NDEs beyond the three types recently identified by Bruce Greyson and Nancy Evans Bush (1992). I emphasize understanding the powerful emotional force that ensures that all frightening transcendent experiences intimate the ultimate reality through the colored glasses of bliss and horror respectively. Finally I suggest areas for further research.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Altered States and NDEs
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Distressing
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Pleasurable
Characteristics of NDEs—Perception of Time
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory NOS
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Evolution and NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Philosophical
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Ring, K., & Cooper, S. (1997). Near-death and out-of-body experiences in the blind: A study of apparent eyeless vision. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 16(2) 101-147.

Ring, K., & Cooper, S. (1997). Near-death and out-of-body experiences in the blind: A study of apparent eyeless vision. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 16(2) 101-147.
Abstract: This article reports the results of an investigation into near-death and out-of-body experiences in 31 blind respondents. The study sought to address three main questions: (1) whether blind individuals have near-death experiences (NDEs) and, if so, whether they are the same as or different from those of sighted persons; (2) whether blind persons ever claim to see during NDEs and out-of-body experiences (OBEs); and (3) if such claims are made, whether they can ever be corroborated by reference to independent evidence. Our findings revealed that blind persons, including those blind from birth, do report classic NDEs of the kind common to sighted persons; that the great preponderance of blind persons claim to see during NDEs and OBEs; and that occasionally claims of visually-based knowledge that could not have been obtained by normal means can be independently corroborated. We present and evaluate various explanations of these findings before arriving at an interpretation based on the concept of transcendental awareness.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Accounts of NDEs—Autobiographical
Accounts of NDEs—Biographical, Cases
Animals and NDEs
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Adults
Characteristics of NDErs—Education Level
Characteristics of NDErs—Occupation
Characteristics of NDErs—Religious Affiliations
Characteristics of NDErs—Trauma and Abuse
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—Return, Involuntary
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Kinesthetic
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Sound, Hearing
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Sound, Music
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Vision
Characteristics of NDEs—Tunnel Experiences
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Circumstances of NDEs—Accident
Circumstances of NDEs—Hospital
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Disabilities and NDEs
Disclosure of NDEs
Dreams and NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Parapsychological
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological NOS
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Language and NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research
Science and NDEs
Sensory Deprivation and NDEs
Veridical Perception during NDEs
Green, J. T. (1998). Near-death experiences, Shamanism, and the scientific method. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 16(3) 205-222.

Green, J. T. (1998). Near-death experiences, Shamanism, and the scientific method. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 16(3) 205-222.
Abstract: The first 20 years of near-death studies have thoroughly documented the existence of this phenomenon. The field of near-death studies appears to be evolving from a purely academic one to include an applied, clinical component. I discuss the overlap between shamanism and near-death experiences (NDEs) and suggest that the study of shamanism would be helpful in more fully understanding this phenomena and beginning the development of an applied methodology. Although it may be difficult to verify subjective accounts of NDEs and shamanic journeys, from a clinical standpoint it may not be necessary to do so in order to develop a technique that passes the test of scientific scrutiny.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Disclosure of NDEs
Related Experiences—NDE-Like
Shamanism and NDEs
Wade, J. (1998). Physically transcendent awareness: A comparison of the phenomenology of consciousness before birth and after death. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 16(4) 249-275.

Wade, J. (1998). Physically transcendent awareness: A comparison of the phenomenology of consciousness before birth and after death. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 16(4) 249-275.
Abstract: Veridical evidence of a physically transcendent source of consciousness comes from both extremes of the life span when central nervous system functioning is compromised, suggesting that some form of personhood can exist independently of known cellular processes associated with the body. In pre- and perinatal accounts, veridical memories have surfaced of events in the first two trimesters, long before the central nervous system is fully functional, continuing through the third trimester, when measurable brain activity begins, until just after birth. In the empirically verifiable out-of-body phase of near-death experience (NDE) accounts, a source of consciousness has been shown to record events when measurable metabolic processes, including brain activity, have ceased altogether. These two states have similar phenomenologies, suggesting that a physically transcendent source representing individual consciousness predates physical life at the moment of conception and survives it after death, and that its maturity and functioning do not directly reflect the level of central nervous system functioning in the body.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Altered States and NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological NOS
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Mental Processes and NDEs
Psychopathology and NDEs—Depersonalization
Psychopathology and NDEs—Dissociation
Psychopathology and NDEs—Hallucinations
Veridical Perception during NDEs
Gunn, S. C. (1998). Can artificial intelligence have a near-death experience? A critical look at the ultimate text. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 17(1) 5-19.

Gunn, S. C. (1998). Can artificial intelligence have a near-death experience? A critical look at the ultimate text. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 17(1) 5-19.
Abstract: Since a computer model begins as an instance of writing, that is, a “text,” it is appropriate to examine this kind of discourse through the perspective of literary criticism. I examine Stephen Thaler’s (1995) “intelligent” computer program and conclude that the Gedanken creatures are constructed upon a structuralist theory of the text, which cannot support a complete simulation of human intelligence or experience.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Altered States and NDEs
Artificial Intelligence and NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Mental Processes and NDEs
Science and NDEs
Thaler, S. L. (1998). The emerging intelligence and its critical look at us. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 17(1) 21-29.

Thaler, S. L. (1998). The emerging intelligence and its critical look at us. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 17(1) 21-29.
Abstract: In response to Susan Gunn’s editorial, I offer a less comforting but more utilitarian perspective on the life and death of artificial consciousness. Admittedly an unpopular view, it suggests that concurrence with Gunn’s message represents the seeds of our own destruction, as an emerging synthetic intelligence begins to extinguish us.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Artificial Intelligence and NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Mental Processes and NDEs
Science and NDEs
Wade, J. (1998). The phenomenology of near-death consciousness in past-life regression therapy: A pilot study. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 17(1) 31-53.

Wade, J. (1998). The phenomenology of near-death consciousness in past-life regression therapy: A pilot study. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 17(1) 31-53.
Abstract: Although past-life regression therapy has not been shown to be the re-experiencing of a verifiable previous biological existence, therapists have noted similarities between the phenomenology of post-death awareness reported by regressed subjects and the phenomenology of near-death experiences (NDEs). This paper reports the results of a pilot study exploring those similarities as far as the therapeutic modality normally accommodates post-death phenomena. Similarities and differences between NDEs and post-death regression phenomena suggest new avenues of research.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Related Experiences—NDE-Like
Related Experiences NOS
Sahlman, J. M., & Norton, M. C. (1998). The meaning and intensity of the near-death experience. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 17(2) 101-110.

Sahlman, J. M., & Norton, M. C. (1998). The meaning and intensity of the near-death experience. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 17(2) 101-110.
Abstract: This is the second in a three-part study exploring the hypothesis that near-death experiencers (NDErs) assign the meaning of the NDE by using causal (effect) and semantic (affect) attributions. To test this hypothesis, 32 spontaneous verbal accounts of NDEs were analyzed. Each statement comprising the account was coded and classified according to the six attributional types in the Norton-Sahlman matrices of attributional classification. On the bases of these findings, we conclude that NDErs abstract the most significant aspects of meaning from their experiences by the use of attributions expressing the purposes of the experience and the intentions of the participants. Second, the meaning and intensity of the experience derives from attributions of both effect (causality) and affective significance: the assignment of subjective meaning to objects and events (affect). Third, the findings demonstrate that there are significant changes in NDErs’ overt and affective states, reinforcing our argument that meaning and intensity of the NDE is a function of how the experiencer assigns causation, in addition to the affective significance that the experiencer places on the events constituting the NDE.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Characteristics of NDErs—Gender
Disclosure of NDEs
Interpretations of NDEs
Language and NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research
Bain, B. A. (1999). Near death experiences and Gnostic Christianity: Parallels in antiquity. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 17(3) 205-209.

Bain, B. A. (1999). Near death experiences and Gnostic Christianity: Parallels in antiquity. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 17(3) 205-209.
Abstract: Long considered to be heretical, ancient Gnostic Christian texts unearthed this century display compelling similarities between Gnostic conceptions of life and death and modern NDEs. The Gnostic texts devoted extensive tracts to what readers could expect to encounter when they died. Other passages make numerous allusions to NDE-like experiences that can be realized in this life, most notably the human encounter with a Divine Light. The Gnostic Christian literature gives us one more example of NDEs and similar experiences in the ancient world.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Cross-Cultural NDEs
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Historical Perspectives on NDEs
Religion and NDEs—Christianity
Lundahl, C. R. (1999). Parallels between near-death experience prophetic visions and prophecies from the Bible and Mormon Holy Writ. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 17(3) 193-203.

Lundahl, C. R. (1999). Parallels between near-death experience prophetic visions and prophecies from the Bible and Mormon Holy Writ. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 17(3) 193-203.
Abstract: In 1982, Kenneth Ring identified a phenomenon where some near-death experiencers were permitted to see a picture of the Earth’s future as a “prophetic vision” or PV. In his study of the PV, Ring identified five elements of the PV for the future of the Earth as geophysical changes, meteorological changes, supply and economic breakdowns, nuclear war, and a new era of love and world peace. He also mentioned two other features, the death of many and a time frame for the elements. A comparison of the events of near-death experience prophetic visions of the Earth’s future and prophecies from the Bible and the Mormons’ Doctrine and Covenants shows nearly complete agreement. These catastrophic events are prophesied to occur on the Earth into the 21st century and to culminate with a new world of peace that is constituted of good people.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Aftereffects of NDEs—Paranormal Phenomena
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, Precognition
Religion and NDEs—Christianity
Religion and NDEs—Christianity, Mormonism
Gibbs, J. C. (1999). God, tragedy, and the near-death experience: Evaluating Kushner's perspectives on theodicy. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 17(4) 223-259.

Gibbs, J. C. (1999). God, tragedy, and the near-death experience: Evaluating Kushner's perspectives on theodicy. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 17(4) 223-259.
Abstract: This article evaluates Harold Kushner’s original and reconstructed perspectives on God and the theodicic problem on the basis of research on the near-death experience (NDE) and related phenomena. In response to a personal tragedy, Kushner reconstructed his thinking about God and tragedy from his original Causation-Power perspective to and Inspiration-Love perspective. The Causation-Power perspective posits that God causes human events and that tragic events do not actually contradict God’s purpose or will, although tragic events may result from the human freedom to disobey God and suffer punitive consequences. In the Inspiration-Love perspective, human freedom expands to mean that God does not cause all events: God does not cause tragedy, suffers with the sufferer, and can intervene against tragic events only by inspiring people to cope with tragedy and care of others. Although the research findings are consistent with Kushner’s emphasis on love and inspiration, the theme of diving power and purpose is also evident. Hence, Kushner should not have rejected entirely his early (Causation-Power) perspective. Identified in the research are forms of “inspiration” that Kushner did not take into account in his reconstructed (Inspiration-Love) view. The Causation-Power and Inspiration-Love perspectives seem incompatible and neither alone solves theodicic problem. Nevertheless, they do complement one another; a resolution would permit an integrative understanding of God and tragedy.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Explanations of NDEs—Philosophical
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Religion and NDEs NOS
Spirituality and NDEs
Murphy, T. (1999). Recreating near-death experiences: A cognitive approach. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 17(4) 261-265.

Murphy, T. (1999). Recreating near-death experiences: A cognitive approach. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 17(4) 261-265.
Abstract: I describe a guided meditation that, when used by near-death experiencers (NDErs), recreates fragments of their NDEs. The meditation is based on Michael Persinger’s neurological theory regarding the “God Experience,” and its success supports that theory. The present study included too few subjects to support quantitative analysis, and must be regarded as a pilot study.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Accounts of NDEs—Biographical, Cases
Altered States and NDEs
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Pleasurable
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Spiritual
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena NOS
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Religion and NDEs NOS
Audain, L. (1999). Gender and trauma in the near-death experience: An epidemiological and theoretical analysis. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 18(1) 35-49.

Audain, L. (1999). Gender and trauma in the near-death experience: An epidemiological and theoretical analysis. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 18(1) 35-49.
Abstract: In this article, I explore the nature of the “fear-death experience” (FDE) by way of an epidemiological analysis, and discuss the FDE as one of several causal theories of the near-death experience (NDE). I then pursue two hypotheses: (1) if the FDE model is correct, one would expect to find that a number of NDEs are preceded by traumatic experiences; and (2) if the FDE model is correct, one would expect to find that more NDEs are experienced by males than females. Chi-squared analyses on data from more than 500 NDE cases revealed that the first hypotheses cannot be rejected, while the second hypotheses can be rejected. I discuss the theoretical implications of these findings.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Characteristics of NDErs—Gender
Characteristics of NDErs—Trauma and Abuse
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, Precognition
Circumstances of NDEs NOS
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological NOS
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Methodology in NDE Research
Psychopathology and NDEs—Hallucinations
Psychopharmacology and NDEs NOS
Science and NDEs
Veridical Perception during NDEs
Crumbaugh, J. C. (1999). A contribution of Tipler's Omega Point Theory to near-death studies. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 18(1) 5-11.

Crumbaugh, J. C. (1999). A contribution of Tipler's Omega Point Theory to near-death studies. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 18(1) 5-11.
Abstract: A fundamental principle of behavioral and natural scientists is reductionism: all mental phenomena can be reduced to a physical basis. Phenomena that have no physical basis cannot really exist. For most scientists this rules out transpersonal, spiritual or noetic, and religious phenomena, all of which maintain strongly antireductionist positions. Thus near-death researchers have an uphill battle to stay scientifically afloat. However, mathematician Frank Tipler argues that, while reductionism is necessary to the scientific world, it does not negate the religious, noetic, or spiritual dimension of human experience. He demonstrates by hard-core physics the existence of God and religious and spiritual phenomena. While the proofs he offers can be understood only by other astrophysicists, his overall viewpoint is comprehensible by laypeople. I present his concepts and arguments, and highlight the value of this orientation for near-death studies. Tipler’s work takes the steam out of scientific rejection of religious, spiritual, or noetic phenomena, and makes it possible to accept these phenomena while maintaining a strictly scientific posture. Near-death researchers can gain a greater degree of scientific acceptance by adopting Tipler’s position on reductionism.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Religion and NDEs NOS
Science and NDEs
Spirituality and NDEs
Paulson, D. S. (1999). The near-death experience: An integration of cultural, spiritual, and physical perspectives. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 18(1) 13-25.

Paulson, D. S. (1999). The near-death experience: An integration of cultural, spiritual, and physical perspectives. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 18(1) 13-25.
Abstract: The near-death experience (NDE) has been studied extensively from two conflicting perspectives: that the NDE is a glimpse into an after-death state and that it is the result of a dying brain. Of late a third perspective has emerged, that of NDEs being culturally determined. I propose an integrated model in which all three perspectives are viewed with equal weight.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological NOS
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Interpretations of NDEs
Science and NDEs
Spirituality and NDEs
Prosnick, K. P. (1999). Claims of near-death experiences, Gestalt resistance processes, and measures of optimal functioning. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 18(1) 27-34.

Prosnick, K. P. (1999). Claims of near-death experiences, Gestalt resistance processes, and measures of optimal functioning. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 18(1) 27-34.
Abstract: The present study investigated the relationship between claims of near-death experiences (NDEs) and measures of self-actualization, Gestalt resistance processes, transfluence, mystical experiences, and claims of peak life experiences in a sample of 155 individuals. As hypothesized, I found significant positive correlations between the claims of NDEs and transfluence and mystical experiences. I found no significant correlations between claims of NDEs and the seven Gestalt resistances, suggesting that NDErs are neither more nor less resistant than nonNDErs. I also found no significant relationship between claims of NDEs and self-actualization or claims of peak life experiences.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Aftereffects of NDEs NOS
Characteristics of NDErs NOS
Methodology in NDE Research
Religion and NDEs—Mysticism
Arnette, J. K. (1999). The theory of essence. III: Neuroanatomical and neurophysiological aspects of interactionism. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 18(2) 73-101.

Arnette, J. K. (1999). The theory of essence. III: Neuroanatomical and neurophysiological aspects of interactionism. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 18(2) 73-101.
Abstract: This article continues the construction of a dualistic interactionist theory of the near-death experience (NDE), the theory of essence, which was begun in two previous articles (Arnette, 1992, 1995). The present work represents an extension of the theory to the microscopic level of analysis, in order to specify in detail the mechanism of essence-brain interaction and to address some general and specific objections to interactionism and the theory of essence. In the theory construction process, a second issue is addressed: that of the apparent multiplicity of causes of NDEs or NDE-like experiences. I show that this multiplicity is simply a manifestation of the mode of essence-brain interaction and is accurately predicted by the theory.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Circumstances of NDEs—Induced Chemically
Evolution and NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Philosophical
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—NDE-Like
Religion and NDEs NOS
Science and NDEs
Audain, L. (1999). Near-death experiences and the theory of the extraneuronal hyperspace. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 18(2) 103-115.

Audain, L. (1999). Near-death experiences and the theory of the extraneuronal hyperspace. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 18(2) 103-115.
Abstract: It is possible and desirable to supplement the traditional neurological and metaphysical explanatory models of the near-death experience (NDE) with yet a third type of explanatory model that links the neurological and the metaphysical. I set forth the rudiments of this model, the Theory of the Extraneuronal Hyperspace, with six propositions. I then use this theory to explain three of the pressing issues within NDE scholarship: the veridicality, precognition, and “fear-death experience” phenomena.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
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, Kinesthetic
Definition of NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Parapsychological
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Science and NDEs
Sensory Deprivation and NDEs
Veridical Perception during NDEs
Botkin, A. L. (2000). The induction of after-death communications utilizing eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing: A new discovery. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 18(3) 181-209.

Botkin, A. L. (2000). The induction of after-death communications utilizing eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing: A new discovery. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 18(3) 181-209.
Abstract: A number of authors have described after-death communications (ADCs), in which bereaved individuals experience what they believe is actual spiritual contact with the deceased. ADCs are consistently reported as profoundly loving experiences that greatly assist the grieving process. Although most researchers have argued that ADCs can occur only spontaneously, Raymond Moody’s research has indicated that we do have some control over the production of the experience. In this paper I describe a new induction technique that produces ADCs in a more reliable, rapid, and efficient manner. ADCs induced by this new technique provide a more elaborated experience that often fosters complete resolution of grief. These induced ADCs also appear to be much more like near-death experiences (NDEs) than do spontaneous ADCs, which strongly suggests that NDEs and ADCs may be essentially the same phenomenon.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Accounts of NDEs—Biographical, Cases
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Healing and NDEs—Psychological
Non-NDErs' Attitudes toward NDEs
Related Experiences—NDE-Like
Lundahl, C. R., & Gibson, A. S. (2000). Near-death studies and modern physics. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 18(3) 143-179.

Lundahl, C. R., & Gibson, A. S. (2000). Near-death studies and modern physics. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 18(3) 143-179.
Abstract: The fields of near-death studies and modern physics face common dilemmas: namely, how to account for the corroborative nature of many near-death experiences or of the anthropic disposition of the universe without allowing for some otherworldly existence and/or some guiding intelligence. Extreme efforts in both fields to explain various phenomena by contemporary scientific methods and theories have been largely unsuccessful. This paper exposes some of the principal problem areas and suggest a greater collaboration between the two fields. Specific illustrations are given where collaborative effort might be fruitful. The paper also suggests a broader perspective in performing the research, one that places greater emphasis on an otherworldly thrust in future research.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Distressing
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Pleasurable
Characteristics of NDEs—Otherworldly Environments
Characteristics of NDEs—Perception of Time
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Kinesthetic
Characteristics of NDEs—Tunnel Experiences
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
Psychopharmacology and NDEs—Anesthesia
Religion and NDEs NOS
Science and NDEs
Spirituality and NDEs
Veridical Perception during NDEs
Gibson, A. S. (2000). Religious wars or healthy competition in the NDE movement? Journal of Near-Death Studies, 18(4) 273-276.

Gibson, A. S. (2000). Religious wars or healthy competition in the NDE movement? Journal of Near-Death Studies, 18(4) 273-276.
Abstract: In the early years of near-death research many organized religions rejected the near-death experience (NDE) as a legitimate expression of religious faith. More recently numerous religious apologists have laid claim to NDEs as verifying particular theological beliefs. I see this as a healthy competition between religions, and a competition that results from the very success of the near-death research effort. Religious apologists, however, must be reasonably objective in any juxtapositions of religious philosophy with NDE findings. I point out some problems in this regard with Michael Sabom's recent work. I also argue that Kenneth Ring's recent statements that we might not now be headed toward 'Omega' as he once thought may be premature.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Historical Perspectives on NDEs
Religion and NDEs NOS
Sabom, M. (2000). Response to Kenneth Ring's 'Religious wars in the NDE movement: Some personal reflections on Michael Sabom's ‘Light & death’'. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 18(4) 245-271.

Sabom, M. (2000). Response to Kenneth Ring's 'Religious wars in the NDE movement: Some personal reflections on Michael Sabom's ‘Light & death’'. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 18(4) 245-271.
Abstract: This article responds to 15 excerpts from Kenneth Ring’s paper that question the accuracy and integrity of Light & Death (Sabom, 1998).
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Historical Perspectives on NDEs
Religion and NDEs NOS
Ellwood, G. F. (2000). Religious experience, religious worldviews, and near-death studies. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 19(1) 5-21.

Ellwood, G. F. (2000). Religious experience, religious worldviews, and near-death studies. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 19(1) 5-21.
Abstract: The tense relation prevailing between representatives of conservative religion and other near-death researchers may be illumined by a look at the different functions religion has fulfilled in the past. Religion may be seen as centering on the meaningfulness of the world, on spiritual experience, or on salvation. In this essay, I sketch the place of these themes in the Great Religions. These themes have inherent mutual tensions that in the case of Christianity cannot necessarily be settled by appeal to the Bible, because different Christian groups have somewhat differing views of the source of authority. Furthermore, the Bible’s authority is challenged by the results of modern scholarship. In light of these reflections, I see Michael Sabom’s Light & Death (1998) as showing valuable data and insights but failing to respond to significant challenges.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Religion and NDEs—Buddhism
Religion and NDEs—Christianity
Religion and NDEs—Hinduism
Religion and NDEs—Islam
Religion and NDEs—Judaism
Religion and NDEs NOS
Lundahl, C. R. (2000). A comparison of other world perceptions by near-death experiencers and by the Marian visionaries of Medjugorje. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 19(1) 45-52.

Lundahl, C. R. (2000). A comparison of other world perceptions by near-death experiencers and by the Marian visionaries of Medjugorje. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 19(1) 45-52.
Abstract: Near-death research has identified another world that consists of two divisions: Cities of Light and a Realm of Bewildered Spirits. In 1981, the apparition of Mary, the mother of Jesus, appeared to six young people in the village of Medjugorje, Croatia. These young visionaries were shown Heaven, Purgatory, and Hell in visions that were like watching a movie. Two of the visionaries were also physically transported to see these realms. A comparison of their observations of the other world with those of near-death experiencers (NDErs) shows a close similarity between them. The visionaries’ observations provide some corroboration for the City of Light and Realm of the Bewildered Spirits elements of the NDE and suggest the possibility of a third division called Hell. Further study of frightening NDEs may reveal whether or not those NDErs who travel to a less than heavenly realm may be going to two separate places instead of one.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Distressing
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Pleasurable
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Otherworldly Environments
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Sabom, M. (2000). Response to Gracia Fay Ellwood's 'Religious experience, religious worldviews, and near-death studies'. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 19(1) 23-44.

Sabom, M. (2000). Response to Gracia Fay Ellwood's 'Religious experience, religious worldviews, and near-death studies'. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 19(1) 23-44.
Abstract: After a brief glance at “religious wars” that now embroil the field of near-death studies, I respond to Gracia Fay Ellwood’s commentary on Light & Death (Sabom, 1998), in which she alleges serious problems with my discussion of Raymond Moody’s research, my views on the psychic and the occult, my use of the Bible as an authoritative document, my research methodology, and my definition of Christianity.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Religion and NDEs—Christianity
Religion and NDEs NOS
Bonenfant, R. J. (2000). A near-death experience followed by the visitation of an 'angel-like' being. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 19(2) 103-113.

Bonenfant, R. J. (2000). A near-death experience followed by the visitation of an 'angel-like' being. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 19(2) 103-113.
Abstract: I describe a near-death experience (NDE) followed by a religious experience 15 years later in which the subject was visited by the same “angel-like” figure that she saw in the NDE. I describe details of the NDE and of the subsequent visitation; note transformational changes in behavior and associated aftereffects; examine childhood experiences possibly related to the NDE; review the presence of angels in Biblical and mystical literature and in contemporary media; and suggest a possible relationship between latent paranormal abilities and the occurrence of a variety of exceptional experiences.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Accounts of NDEs—Biographical, Cases
Aftereffects of NDEs NOS
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Death
Aftereffects of NDEs—Paranormal Phenomena
Afterlife, Belief in
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Spiritual
Characteristics of NDEs—Life Review
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Characteristics of NDEs—Tunnel Experiences
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Circumstances of NDEs—Accident
Circumstances of NDEs—Consciousness and Unconsciousness
Circumstances of NDEs—Time Elapse
Explanations of NDEs—Parapsychological
Religion and NDEs—Christianity
Religion and NDEs—Islam
Religion and NDEs—Judaism
Religion and NDEs—Mysticism
Haussamen, B. (2000). Three fictional deaths compared with the near-death experience. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 19(2) 91-102.

Haussamen, B. (2000). Three fictional deaths compared with the near-death experience. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 19(2) 91-102.
Abstract: This study looks at three popular works of short fiction, by Leo Tolstoy, Ambrose Bierce, and Katherine Anne Porter, in which the main character dies at the end. Some similarities between these deaths and recent near-death experience (NDE) accounts are that the characters experience various kinds of distancing from their bodies, light and darkness play a role, and two of the stories include a final life review. The principal contrast is that dying in these stories is a lonely and mostly grim business, unsupported by a process that transcends the individual or by progress toward an afterlife or otherworld. The comparison helps define the modern sensibility about dying that is part of the cultural context for interest in NDEs.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Literature, Fictional
Bailey, L. W. (2001). A 'little death': The near-death experience and Tibetan delogs. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 19(3) 139-159.

Bailey, L. W. (2001). A 'little death': The near-death experience and Tibetan delogs. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 19(3) 139-159.
Abstract: A phenomenon remarkably like the near-death experience has been uncovered in Tibetan culture, aside from the so-called Tibetan Book of the Dead (Thurman, 1994). Anthropologists have gathered accounts of contemporary and historical cases of remarkable people called delogs. Seemingly dead for several hours or days, these people revive spontaneously and tell detailed accounts of otherworldly journeys. Their journey accounts contain elaborate versions of Buddhist otherworldly landscapes and characters, emphasizing the moral and spiritual teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. These delogs are a bridge between contemporary near-death experiences and ancient shamanic practices.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Distressing
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Cross-Cultural NDEs
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Dreams and NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Explanations of NDEs—Sociological
Related Experiences—NDE-Like
Religion and NDEs—Buddhism
Religion and NDEs NOS
Shamanism and NDEs
Spirituality and NDEs
Murphy, T. (2001). Near-death experiences in Thailand. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 19(3) 161-178.

Murphy, T. (2001). Near-death experiences in Thailand. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 19(3) 161-178.
Abstract: Near-death experiences (NDEs) in Thailand do not demonstrate the episodes most noted in those collected in the West, but they do show consistent features. I argue that these features, including harbingers of death, visions of hell, the Lord of the underworld, and the benefits of making donations to Buddhist monks and temples, can be understood within the framework of beliefs and customs unique to Southeast Asia. The simplest explanation is that the phenomenology of NDEs at least in part fulfills the individual’s expectations of what they will experience at death. These expectations are most often derived from the experiencer’s culture, subculture, or mix of cultures. Culture-bound expectations are, in turn, most often derived from religion. One case, quoted at length, shows features that suggest that the individual was experiencing stress as a result of living in both Thai and Chinese cultures. Although the phenomenology of Thai NDEs is at variance from those in the West, the typical episodes that appear in each seem to follow a comparable sequencing. This similarity in structure suggest that NDEs in both cultures have a common function.
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
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—Return, Involuntary
Characteristics of NDEs—Return, Voluntary
Characteristics of NDEs—Tunnel Experiences
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Cross-Cultural NDEs
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Religion and NDEs—Buddhism
Religion and NDEs NOS
Green, J. T. (2001). The near-death experience as a Shamanic initiation: A case study. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 19(4) 209-225.

Green, J. T. (2001). The near-death experience as a Shamanic initiation: A case study. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 19(4) 209-225.
Abstract: The field of near-death studies shares a number of interesting, often compelling, similarities with the ancient spiritual tradition known as shamanism. Not least among these similarities is the fact that a near-death experience (NDE) is a time-honored form of shamanic initiation. I present a case example illustrating how a deep NDE can propel a person who had no prior knowledge or interest in shamanism into spontaneous, often classic, shamanic experiences, while living an apparently normal life in the midst of modern Western society.
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 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 NOS
Altered States and NDEs
Animals and NDEs
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Adults
Characteristics of NDErs—Gender
Characteristics of NDErs—Marital Status
Characteristics of NDErs—Occupation
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—Life Review
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, Precognition
Characteristics of NDEs—Return, Involuntary
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Sound, Music
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Vision
Characteristics of NDEs—Tunnel Experiences
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Circumstances of NDEs—Accident
Counseling NDErs
Disclosure of NDEs
Dreams and NDEs
Non-NDErs' Attitudes toward NDEs
Shamanism and NDEs
Spiritualism and NDEs
Ketzenberger, K. W., & Keim, G. L. (2001). The near-death experience: Knowledge and attitudes of college students. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 19(4) 227-232.

Ketzenberger, K. W., & Keim, G. L. (2001). The near-death experience: Knowledge and attitudes of college students. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 19(4) 227-232.
Abstract: There is a considerable literature documenting the effects of a near-death experience (NDE) on persons who actually undergo the experience, in terms of their attitudes and opinions about NDEs. However, investigations of how much nonexperiencers know about NDEs and their attitudes towards them are in short supply. This study examined the relationship in people who have not had an NDE between attitudes toward and knowledge of near-death experiences. Subjects were undergraduate students, with a mean age of 32 years. The Near-Death Phenomena Knowledge and Attitudes Questionnaire was employed to assess attitudes toward and knowledge of NDEs. Results indicated that both knowledge and attitudes were relatively normally distributed, and that level of knowledge significantly predicted attitudes towards NDEs, accounting for 34 percent of the common variance.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Methodology in NDE Research
Non-NDErs' Attitudes toward NDEs
Lundahl, C. R. (2001). Prophetic revelations in near-death experiences. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 19(4) 233-239.

Lundahl, C. R. (2001). Prophetic revelations in near-death experiences. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 19(4) 233-239.
Abstract: Prophetic revelations in near-death experiences (NDEs) are a fourth type of flashforwards. Prophetic revelations are similar to another type of flashforward called the prophetic vision, which was identified in 1982 by Kenneth Ring. Like prophetic visions, prophetic revelations are a phenomenon in which NDErs are given a knowledge of the earth’s future; they have a global or world focus. Prophetic revelations differ from prophetic visions in that events in the earth’s future are told or revealed to the NDEr by a deceased relative or some otherworld person during their NDE, rather than in a visual display, and they are less detailed. Four categories of flashforwards have now been identified. In addition to the prophetic revelation and the prophetic vision are the other flashforwards, the personal flashforward and the otherworld personal future revelation (OPFR). The major features that distinguish these different flashforwards are their focus (global or personal), method of delivery, and detail. All flashforward types occur in a small number of cases and during deep NDEs.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, Precognition
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Vision
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Non-NDErs' Attitudes toward NDEs
Cunico, L. (2001). Knowledge and attitudes of hospital nurses in Italy related to near-death experiences. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 20(1) 37-50.

Cunico, L. (2001). Knowledge and attitudes of hospital nurses in Italy related to near-death experiences. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 20(1) 37-50.
Abstract: I distributed Nina Thornburg’s Near-Death Phenomena Knowledge and Attitudes Questionnaire to 750 nurses in three Verona hospitals, and received 476 completed questionnaires. Questionnaire respondents had a modest knowledge of near-death experiences (NDEs). Nevertheless, respondents expressed a positive attitude towards NDEs in general, and towards patients who had had NDEs. Thirty-four percent of the nurses had personally encountered NDErs, and those nurses reported a higher level of knowledge than their colleagues who had not had that opportunity. Furthermore, in relation to the global sample, nurses who had encountered an NDEr showed attitudes that were more positive regarding both the NDE itself and the type of assistance they offered NDErs.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Education about NDEs
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Medical
Methodology in NDE Research
Non-NDErs' Attitude Change after Learning about NDEs
Non-NDErs' Attitudes toward NDEs
Grosso, M. (2001). Afterlife research and the shamanic turn. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 20(1) 5-14.

Grosso, M. (2001). Afterlife research and the shamanic turn. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 20(1) 5-14.
Abstract: In Western culture, approaches to the afterlife have mutated throughout history, from shamanism and mythology to philosophy, spiritualism, and psychical research. For conceptual reasons, however, survival research seems to many to be languishing, despite some remarkable recent advances. I urge a return to a more experience-based approach, modeled after features of the near-death experience, for its practical benefits; I intend that approach to complement other forms of research, not displace them. Finally, I underscore the unique status of survival research as a scientific pursuit.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
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—Light, Mystical
Explanations of NDEs—Parapsychological
Explanations of NDEs—Philosophical
Methodology in NDE Research
Related Experiences NOS
Religion and NDEs—Mysticism
Shamanism and NDEs
Kellehear, A. (2001). An Hawaiian near-death experience. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 20(1) 31-35.

Kellehear, A. (2001). An Hawaiian near-death experience. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 20(1) 31-35.
Abstract: This paper is a case report of an Hawaiian near-death experience (NDE) from the early 1900s, which was uncovered in a turn-of-the-century monograph of Hawaiian folk tales (Thrum, 1907). The account differs from others in the same volume because it appears to be a real-life account rather than a folk tale. I describe similarities and differences from other Pacific area accounts, with particular attention to the only other Polynesian NDE account in the literature, a Maori NDE reported by Michael King in 1985.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Cross-Cultural NDEs
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Knoblauch, H., Schmied, I., & Schnettler, B. (2001). Different kinds of near-death experience: A report on a survey of near-death experiences in Germany. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 20(1) 15-29.

Knoblauch, H., Schmied, I., & Schnettler, B. (2001). Different kinds of near-death experience: A report on a survey of near-death experiences in Germany. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 20(1) 15-29.
Abstract: This article provides a short summary of a representative survey on near-death experiences (NDEs) in Germany, which is the first of its kind in Europe. We tested several assumptions derived from previous research on NDEs, including the assumptions of a unified pattern of experience, the universality of the pattern, and the necessary link between NDEs and clinical death. We received replies from more than 2,000 persons, 4 percent of whom reported NDEs. The patterns of the NDEs did not seem to correspond to earlier findings: aside from being much more diverse, they also differed with respect to cultural variables, particularly the difference between religious interpretations and the differences between post-socialist East Germany and West Germany.
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 NOS
Afterlife, Belief in
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Adults
Characteristics of NDErs—Gender
Characteristics of NDErs NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Distressing
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Pleasurable
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Increased Knowledge, Thoughts
Characteristics of NDEs—Life Review
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Characteristics of NDEs—Otherworldly Environments
Characteristics of NDEs—Tunnel Experiences
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Circumstances of NDEs—Consciousness and Unconsciousness
Cross-Cultural NDEs
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Disclosure of NDEs
Education about NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Sociological
Interpretations of NDEs
Media Treatment of NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research
Reincarnation and NDEs
Religion and NDEs—Christianity
Religion and NDEs NOS
Bonenfant, R. J. (2001). A child's encounter with the devil: An unusual near-death experience and both blissful and frightening elements. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 20(2) 87-100.

Bonenfant, R. J. (2001). A child's encounter with the devil: An unusual near-death experience and both blissful and frightening elements. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 20(2) 87-100.
Abstract: I describe the near-death experience (NDE) of a 6-year-old boy who encountered both the devil and God following a near-fatal car accident, and compare recent recollections of the event with those made four years earlier. I discuss the aftereffects of this experience, and review the findings of earlier studies of frightening NDEs.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Accounts of NDEs—Biographical, Cases
Aftereffects of NDEs—Emotional
Aftereffects of NDEs—Religion
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Children and Adolescents
Characteristics of NDErs—Gender
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—Light, Mystical
Characteristics of NDEs—Otherworldly Environments
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, ESP
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Kinesthetic
Characteristics of NDEs—Tunnel Experiences
Circumstances of NDEs—Accident
Circumstances of NDEs—Consciousness and Unconsciousness
Circumstances of NDEs—Hospital
Counseling NDErs
Disclosure of NDEs
Reactions to NDEr—by Family, Spouse
Howarth, G., & Kellehear, A. (2001). Shared near-death and related illness experiences: Steps on an unscheduled journey. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 20(2) 71-85.

Howarth, G., & Kellehear, A. (2001). Shared near-death and related illness experiences: Steps on an unscheduled journey. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 20(2) 71-85.
Abstract: This paper discusses the key social features in shared journeys into near-death experiences (NDEs) and related illness experiences of other people. Of special interest in this paper is the way that those persons who are not ill or near death account for their sharing of these experiences. These are often people who are caregivers or intimates of NDErs or dying people but who claim to share part of the NDE or dying experience. We provide case examples to illustrate the essential psychological and social experiences that these people undergo during their joint experiences with NDErs and other seriously ill people. From an analysis of the recurrent themes emergent in these joint experiences we identify and discuss the major conceptual steps in the creation of their personal explanations: (1) Exit the Familiar, (2) Extraordinary Experiences, (3) Extraordinary Experiences End, (4) What Happened to Me? (5) The World Responds, and (6) The Return of the Native. In the final analysis, the processes that these people undergo in the search for explanations is similar in most respects to those at the center of near-death and other related illness experiences.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Accounts of NDEs—Autobiographical
Accounts of NDEs—Biographical, Cases
Characteristics of NDErs NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Kinesthetic
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Sound, Hearing
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Circumstances of NDEs—Hospital
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Disclosure of NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Sociological
Nearing Death and NDEs—Deathbed Visions
Non-NDErs' Attitude Change after Learning about NDEs
Non-NDErs' Attitudes toward NDEs
Related Experiences—NDE-Like
Related Experiences NOS
Murphy, T. (2001). The structure and function of near-death experiences: An algorithmic reincarnation hypothesis. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 20(2) 101-118.

Murphy, T. (2001). The structure and function of near-death experiences: An algorithmic reincarnation hypothesis. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 20(2) 101-118.
Abstract: Hypothesizes that a near-death experience (NDE) is the subjective experience of having the state of consciousness in which a person experiences the last moment of his or her life being turned, in stages, into the state of consciousness experienced as the “point of no return.” The life review this, as is interpreted as a review of the states of consciousness experienced during our lives. Our responses to reviewing our own behaviors while in specific states reinforces and classifies them into those to repeat in future lives and those to avoid. We examine a modification of the traditional doctrine of reincarnation that takes into account biological and cultural evolution. This allows an understanding of how the attributes of NDEs could have undergone selection even though all opportunities for mating have already passed at the time of death.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Altered States and NDEs
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Distressing
Characteristics of NDEs—Life Review
Counseling NDErs
Cross-Cultural NDEs
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Healing and NDEs—Physical
Reincarnation and NDEs
Religion and NDEs—Buddhism
Potts, M. (2002). The evidential value of near-death experiences for belief in life after death. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 20(4) 233-258.

Potts, M. (2002). The evidential value of near-death experiences for belief in life after death. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 20(4) 233-258.
Abstract: In this paper, I explore the issue of what evidential value neardeath experiences (NDEs) offer for belief in life after death. I survey the major positions on this issue, ranging from writers who believe that NDEs already offer convincing evidence for life after death, to physicalists who believe that they offer, at best, a very weak case. I argue that the present NDE evidence does suggest the possibility of life after death; however, such evidence is not yet overpowering or convincing. However, I go on to argue that NDEs do offer persuasive evidence for life after death for the individual who has the NDE.I end by suggesting that further research should be done on the most impressive type of NDE evidence for life after death, veridical perceptions during an NDE.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Afterlife, Belief in
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Anoxia
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Mental Processes and NDEs
Veridical Perception during NDEs
Schwaninger, J., Eisenberg, P. R., Schechtman, K. B., & Weiss, A. N. (2002). A prospective analysis of near-death experiences in cardiac arrest patients Journal of Near-Death Studies, 20(4) 215-232.

Schwaninger, J., Eisenberg, P. R., Schechtman, K. B., & Weiss, A. N. (2002). A prospective analysis of near-death experiences in cardiac arrest patients Journal of Near-Death Studies, 20(4) 215-232.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to assess prospectively the frequency of near-death experiences (NDEs) in patients suffering a cardiac arrest, to characterize these experiences, and to assess their impact on psychosocial and spiritual attitudes. We prospectively evaluated all patients who suffered a cardiac arrest at Barnes-Jewish Hospital from April 1991 through February 1994, excluding those in the surgical intensive care unit, using a scale designed to specify criteria for NDEs, a recorded interview regarding the experience, an experience rating form, and a follow-up questionnaire regarding psychosocial attitudinal life changes. Of the 174 patients who suffered a cardiac arrest, 55 patients survived, of whom 30 patients were interviewable. Of those 30 patients interviewed, seven (23 percent) had a NDE, and four others (13 percent) reported an NDE during a prior life-threatening illness. The experiences were most frequently characterized by ineffability, peacefulness, painlessness, lack of fear, detachment from the body, and no sense of time or space. Significant differences were noted in the follow-up psychosocial assessment between patients.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Accounts of NDEs—Biographical, Cases
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—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—Education Level
Characteristics of NDErs—Gender
Characteristics of NDErs—Occupation
Characteristics of NDErs—Religious Affiliations
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—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—Sensory, Kinesthetic
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Sound, Hearing
Characteristics of NDEs—Tunnel Experiences
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Circumstances of NDEs—Hospital
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Healing and NDEs—Physical
Healing and NDEs—Psychological
Methodology in NDE Research
Reincarnation and NDEs
Kelly, R. E. (2002). Post mortem contact by fatal injury victims with emergency service workers at the scenes of their death. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 21(1) 25-33.

Kelly, R. E. (2002). Post mortem contact by fatal injury victims with emergency service workers at the scenes of their death. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 21(1) 25-33.
Abstract: Ninety selected emergency service workers (68 police officers and 22 firefighter/emergency medical service personnel) were interviewed or completed questionnaires to determine if they had experienced a sense or feeling of “communication, presence, or attachment” from victims of fatal injury whom they had attended at death. Remarkably similar or related experiences were reported by 28 percent of the subjects. Reports ranged from simple affirmative responses to detailed descriptions. Partners corroborated two events, and several accounts described the location of the victim as above, over their shoulder, or looking down upon them, similar to accounts reported by survivors of near-death experiences. None of the subjects reported or displayed any symptoms of mental illness beyond usual posttraumatic event reactions, and all were experienced in their respective professions. I discuss the nature of these contacts and why similar reports of contact by deceased victims with attendees at their death have not appeared elsewhere; and I suggest studies with a more refined question protocol with other populations, such as hospital emergency room personnel, hospice care staff, chaplains, other clergy, and funeral home workers.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Medical
Methodology in NDE Research
Non-NDErs' Attitudes toward NDEs
Related Experiences NOS
Bush, N. E. (2002). Afterward: Making meaning after a frightening near-death experience. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 21(2) 99-133.

Bush, N. E. (2002). Afterward: Making meaning after a frightening near-death experience. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 21(2) 99-133.
Abstract: The routes by which individuals attribute meaning to a near-death experience (NDE) appear to be similar, whether the experience was radiant or terrifying. This article explores three such avenues in relation to frightening experiences. I argue that resisting a terrifying NDE is likely to intensify fearfulness in an individual, and also that a similar effect occurs within society when this type of experience is resisted and misunderstood. The article concludes with an approach to synthesis and suggested techniques that may be useful in integrating the experience.
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—Orientation to Death
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Life
Aftereffects of NDEs—Religion
Aftereffects of NDEs—Sense of Self, Psychological and Physical
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Distressing
Counseling NDErs
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Disclosure of NDEs
Dreams and NDEs
Education about NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological NOS
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Healing and NDEs—Psychological
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Medical
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Psychological
Interpretations of NDEs
Language and NDEs
Literature, Fictional
Mental Processes and NDEs
Religion and NDEs—Christianity
Religion and NDEs NOS
Science and NDEs
Spirituality and NDEs
Theories, NDE-Related, Psychological—Jung
Hastings, A. (2002). The resistance to belief. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 21(2) 77-98.

Hastings, A. (2002). The resistance to belief. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 21(2) 77-98.
Abstract: William James’s essay “The Will to Believe” proposed that we are sometimes justified, even obligated, to believe from our strong emotional or passional nature that something is true, even though there may not be total logical, evidential proof—which he also wrote is not to be found in this world. This essay explores situations, using a recent dear-death experience (NDE) example, in which there are reasonable evidence and logic, and yet belief seems to be withheld. I postulate and discuss nonrational influences producing resistance to belief, including the fear of being in error, the fear of rejection from the scientific community, irrational requirements of logicality, avoidance of consequences, and paradigm fixation. I also discuss issues in philosophy of science and epistemology in regard to proof.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Explanations of NDEs—Philosophical
Interpretations of NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research
Science and NDEs
Beck, T. E., & Colli, J. E. (2003). A quantum biomechanical basis for near-death life reviews. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 21(3) 169-189.

Beck, T. E., & Colli, J. E. (2003). A quantum biomechanical basis for near-death life reviews. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 21(3) 169-189.
Abstract: Near-death life reviews pose a challenge to current memory research in terms of the sheer amount of instantaneous and empathetic information recall. Advances in quantum physics, biomechanics, holographic information theory, and consciousness studies support for the first time a fully realizable quantum biomechanical basis for near-death life reviews. We introduce the unifying paradigm of the quantum hologram as a non-local carrier of information. We further investigate the interrelated phenomena of non-local communications, and the electromagnetic zero-point field. Recent confirmation of the zero-point field lends credibility to vast memory storage capabilities outside the physical body. Microtubules are considered to be key components in non-local, quantum processes critical to human consciousness. Discovery of the liquid crystalline nature of the human body provides further support for our model. Microtubules, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and the entire brain are described as communicating non-locally with virtually unlimited memory storage capacity.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Altered States and NDEs
Characteristics of NDEs—Life Review
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Mental Processes and NDEs
Science and NDEs
Morris, L. L., & Knafl, K. (2003). The nature and meaning of the near-death experiences for patients and critical care nurses. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 21(3) 139-167.

Morris, L. L., & Knafl, K. (2003). The nature and meaning of the near-death experiences for patients and critical care nurses. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 21(3) 139-167.
Abstract: This study was designed to develop a conceptual framework for the near-death experience (NDE), reflecting its nature and meaning for the patient and the critical care nurse. The study used naturalistic inquiry to examine the question: What is the nature and meaning of an NDE and how has it influenced the individual’s view of the self, the future, and feelings and beliefs about life and death? The NDE Scale (Greyson, 1983) was used with patients and semi-structured interview guides were used with both nurses and patients to explore the NDE from a comprehensive perspective. An NDE was defined as the report of “unusual” recollections associated with a period of unconsciousness during either serious illness or injury, or resuscitation from a cardiac or respiratory arrest. The sample included 12 patients who experienced an NDE and 19 nurses who cared for patients who experienced NDEs. This study highlighted the emotional aspects of the NDE. Patients described how the NDE transformed their lives and nurses reported how their experiences with patients changed them personally and professionally.
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—Paranormal Phenomena
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—Gender
Characteristics of NDErs—Marital Status
Characteristics of NDErs—Religious Affiliations
Characteristics of NDErs NOS
Circumstances of NDEs—Accident
Circumstances of NDEs—Consciousness and Unconsciousness
Circumstances of NDEs—Hospital
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Disclosure of NDEs
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Medical
Methodology in NDE Research
Non-NDErs' Attitude Change after Learning about NDEs
Non-NDErs' Attitudes toward NDEs
Psychopathology and NDEs—Hallucinations
Spirituality and NDEs
Veridical Perception during NDEs
Brumblay, R. J. (2003). Hyperdimensional perspectives in out-of-body and near-death experiences. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 21(4) 201-221.

Brumblay, R. J. (2003). Hyperdimensional perspectives in out-of-body and near-death experiences. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 21(4) 201-221.
Abstract: Recent theories of modern physics predict that the universe has more dimensions than are apparent to us. Many near-death experiencers report the perception that there are more dimensions than we are commonly aware of. These two statements might be related. This article examines the possibility of additional dimensions (hyperdimensions), what they would seem like, and whether they seem to be described by the unusual visual perspectives found in out-of-body and near-death experience accounts. I examine some implications of a hyperdimensional model of the universe.
Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies
Link: http://www.iands.org
Topics:
Accounts of NDEs—Autobiographical
Accounts of NDEs—Biographical, Cases
Altered States and NDEs
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena, Precognition
Characteristics of NDEs—Perception of Time
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Kinesthetic
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Vision
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Mental Processes and NDEs
Related Experiences—NDE-Like
Science and NDEs
Greene, F. G. (2003). At the edge of eternity's shadows: Scaling the fractal continuum from lower into higher space. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 21(4) 223-240.

Greene, F. G. (2003). At the edge of eternity's shadows: Scaling the fractal continuum from lower into higher space. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 21(4) 223-240.
Abstract: In this paper, I elaborate the hyperspatial implications of the fractal-scaling scheme that I introduced previously. Four case examples where out-of-body experiencers reported heightened and amplified visual capacities are correlated with this explanatory model. Three of these cases are identified as including an additional hyperspace signifier, the reported capacity to see through solid and opaque physical obstructions. One of these cases included yet another hyperspace signifier, the reported capacity to pass through such obstructions. Additional evidence supportive of this thesis is drawn from the literature on ecstatic experience, including out-of-body, near-death, and other varieties of mystical or visionary experience, and from that on psychedelic experience. Yet other hyperspace signifiers reported by ecstatic voyagers are also considered, including sensations of seeing outward spherically in 360 degrees and of seeing on all sides of three-dimensional solids simultaneously.
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
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Kinesthetic
Explanations of NDEs—Parapsychological
Related Experiences NOS
Science and NDEs
Theories, NDE-Related, Psychological—Grof
Saver, J. L., & Rabin, J. (1997). The neural substrates of religious experience. Journal of Neuropsychiatry, 9(3) 498-510.

Saver, J. L., & Rabin, J. (1997). The neural substrates of religious experience. Journal of Neuropsychiatry, 9(3) 498-510.
Abstract: Religious experience is brain-based, like all human experience. Clues to the neural substrates of religious-numinous experience may be gleaned from temporolimbic epilepsy, near -death experiences, creation as well as halucinogen ingestion. These brain disorders and conditions may produce depersonalization, derealization, ecstasy, a sense of timelessness and spacelessness, and other experiences that foster religious-numinous interpretation. Religious delusions are an important subtype of delusional experience in schizophrenia, and mood-congruent religious delusions are a feature of mania and depression. The authors suggest a limbic marker hypothesis for religious-mystical experience. The temporolimbic system tags certain encounters with external or internal stimuli as depersonalized, derealized, crucially important, harmonious, and/or joyous, prompting comprehension of these experiences within a religious framework (The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences 1997; 9:498-510).
Copyright: © 1997. Reprinted with permission of American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc.
Link: http://neuro.psychiatryonline.org/
Topics:
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Related Experiences—NDE-Like
Religion and NDEs NOS
Myers, S. A., Austrin, H. R., Grisso, J. T., & Nickeson, R. C. (1983). Personality characteristics as related to the out-of-body experience. Journal of Parapsychology, 47() 131-144.

Myers, S. A., Austrin, H. R., Grisso, J. T., & Nickeson, R. C. (1983). Personality characteristics as related to the out-of-body experience. Journal of Parapsychology, 47() 131-144.
Abstract: This study investigated personality variables postulated to be related to the out-of-body experience (OBE). Two hundred subjects (53 males, 147 females) were given a revised version of Palmer's University of Virginia ESP survey, a revision of Livingston and Zimet's Death Anxiety Scale (DAS), Tellegen's Absorption Scale (TAS), the Wilson-Barber Inventory of Childhood Memories and Imaginings: Children's Form (ICMIC), the Jackson Personality Inventory (JPI), and the Internal-External Locus of Control Scale of Rotter (LOC). In our survey 45 subjects reported out-of-body experiences using Palmer's ESP survey. Of these, 33% reported having had OBEs in a life-threatening situation. The data were further analyzed using the SPSS computer programs for reliability, discriminant function analysis, and a correlational analysis. Neither sex nor age contributed significantly to the OBE, but the TAS, ICMIC, LOC, several survey variables, and several JPI personality variables were significant.
Copyright: © 1983. Reprinted with permission of the Rhine Research Center.
Link: http://www.rhine.org/journal.htm
Topics:
Related Experiences NOS
Blackmore, S. J. (1984). A psychological theory of the out-of-body experience. Journal of Parapsychology, 48() 201-218.

Blackmore, S. J. (1984). A psychological theory of the out-of-body experience. Journal of Parapsychology, 48() 201-218.
Abstract: A psychological theory of the out-of-body experience (OBE) is presented. It suggests that altered states of consciousness (ASCs) in general and OBEs in particular are best understood in terms of 'models of reality.' Two central proposals are that (1) the cognitive system builds many models at once but at any time one and only one is taken to represent external 'reality' and that (2) this is the most complex, stable, or coherent model. Normally the chosen model is built largely from sensory input, but when deprived of sensory information, under stress and so on, this can break down, allowing other models to take over. In an attempt to regain input control, the cognitive system may build the best model it can of the surroundings it thinks it should be seeing. This has to be built from information in memory and imagination. Memory models are often more abstract and schematic than perceptual models and may take a bird's-eye view. The theory suggests that if such a model becomes more stable than the input model, it takes over as 'reality.' The imagined world then seems real, and an OBE has occurred. The phenomenology of the OBE is discussed in light of this theory, and some testable predictions are made. Other ASCs are briefly considered.
Copyright: Reprinted by permission of the Rhine Research Center.
Link: http://www.rhine.org/journal.htm
Topics:
Related Experiences NOS
Rao, K. R. (1994). Anomalies of consciousness: Indian perspectives and research. Journal of Parapsychology, 58(2) 149-187.

Rao, K. R. (1994). Anomalies of consciousness: Indian perspectives and research. Journal of Parapsychology, 58(2) 149-187.
Abstract: In the Indian tradition, parapsychological phenomena are not regarded as anomalous, but as normal manifestations of the mind functioning independently of the sensorimotor processes. Classical Indian writings not only offer theoretical insights into psi phenomena, but they also describe methods that can be used to develop psi abilities. Contemporary attempts to interpret traditional ideas in the context of scientific research and also to review the empirical research carried out by Indian parapsychologists working in India and other countries, as well as the work of parapsychologists from other countries working in India. It is concluded that India is a fertile ground for field investigations such as reincarnation studies and that the Indian investigations have provided significant evidence for a strong relationship between ESP and personality factors and for the relevance of real-life settings to psi testing. Also, Indian additions to the para-psychological database in several other areas, including the differential effect, subliminal perception, and meditation.
Copyright: © 1994. Reprinted with permission of the Rhine Research Center.
Link: http://www.rhine.org/journal.htm
Topics:
Cross-Cultural NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research
Related Experiences—NDE-Like
Religion and NDEs—Hinduism
Tart, C. T. (2002). 2001 invited address: Parapsychology and transpersonal psychology: 'Anomalies' to be explained away or spirit to manifest? Journal of Parapsychology, 66(1) 31-47.

Tart, C. T. (2002). 2001 invited address: Parapsychology and transpersonal psychology: 'Anomalies' to be explained away or spirit to manifest? Journal of Parapsychology, 66(1) 31-47.
Abstract: Although there has been considerable progress in laboratory studies of psi phenomena (telepathy, clairvoyance, precogniton, and psychokinesis) in the past 50 years, both in terms of firmly establishing the reality of these phenomena and investigating variables that affect their manifestation, the field of experimental parapsychology has been increasingly co-opted by the dominant materialistic philosophical paradigm, such that investigators tend to overlook both the philosophical and the spiritual implications of psi phenomena and do not deal well with the deep and frequently irrational resistance to psi in mainstream scientific culture. This article reminds investigators that psi phenomena manifest in the complex dynamics of a real life and often have great meaning to experients. Psi is not merely an “anomaly” or a laboratory curiosity but has fundamental relevance to questions about the nature of consciousness and to issues of our relations to others. The relations of parapsychology to essential, fundamental science, as opposed to scientism, and to transpersonal psychology are discussed, and directions for an enriched study of psi, as a basis for a pragmatic dualism, as an empirical basis for transpersonal psychology, and as a more humanly relevant discipline are suggested.
Copyright: © 2002. Reprinted with permission of the Rhine Research Center.
Link: http://www.rhine.org/journal.htm
Topics:
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research
Science and NDEs
Alvarado, C. S. (2004). On the centenary of Frederic W. H. Myers's human personality and its survival of bodily death. Journal of Parapsychology, 68(1) 3-43.

Alvarado, C. S. (2004). On the centenary of Frederic W. H. Myers's human personality and its survival of bodily death. Journal of Parapsychology, 68(1) 3-43.
Abstract: Frederic W. H. Myers's book Human Personality and Its Survival of Bodily Death was a hundred years old in 2003. While the purpose of the book was to argue for survival of bodily death, Myers also presented a unifying model of normal, abnormal, and parapsychological phenomena based on the workings of a subliminal or subconscious mind. Human Personality grew in the contexts of nineteenth-century Spiritualism, psychical research, and psychology and psychiatry. While Myers's book presented creative ideas, its association with psychic phenomena and ideas of interaction with the spiritual world brought many criticisms. Nonetheless, the book has been very influential and its content is still relevant to present concerns of psi functioning and the subconscious mind. It is also argued that some modern parapsychological work is consistent with Myers's ideas and that there are several lines of research that may be followed up to put Myers to the test.
Copyright: © 2004. Reprinted with permission of the Rhine Research Center.
Link: http://www.rhine.org/journal.htm
Topics:
Related Experiences NOS
Royse, D. (1985). The near-death experience: A survey of clergy's attitudes and knowledge. Journal of Pastoral Care, 39(1) 31-42.

Royse, D. (1985). The near-death experience: A survey of clergy's attitudes and knowledge. Journal of Pastoral Care, 39(1) 31-42.
Abstract: Reports on a questionnaire survey of 174 clergy in an attempt to discover their attitudes and knowledge of the near-death experience. Concludes that it is not rare for near death accounts to be reported to clergy, that such reports are hardly ever 'hellish'. in tone, and that near-death experiencers tend to become more religious and their fear of dying lessened. Notes implications for pastoral counselors and speculates as to the reasons pastoral counselors may hesitate to introduce the topic of near-death experiences into their counseling.
Copyright: © 1985. Reprinted with permission of the Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling.
Link: http://www.jpcp.org/
Topics:
Counseling NDErs
Disclosure of NDEs
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Psychological
Methodology in NDE Research
Non-NDErs' Attitude Change after Learning about NDEs
Non-NDErs' Attitudes toward NDEs
Religion and NDEs—Christianity
Alvarado, C. S. (1992). The psychological approach to out-of-body experiences: A review of early and modern developments. Journal of Psychology, 126(3) 237-250.

Alvarado, C. S. (1992). The psychological approach to out-of-body experiences: A review of early and modern developments. Journal of Psychology, 126(3) 237-250.
Abstract: This is a review of psychological approaches to out-of-body experiences (OBEs) since the 19th century. Some of the work discussed includes explanations of OBEs based on imaginal processes, telepathic hallucinations, and psychodynamic factors. Particularly important for their detail and empirical orientation are recent OBE theories of Blackmore, Irwin, and Palmer, and survey and experimental research examining psychological correlates of OBEs. The development of the psychological approach to OBE studies has been influenced by the field of parapsychology, and, particularly in recent times, by the interest in imagery and altered states of consciousness in psychology during the last three decades.
Copyright: © 1992. Reprinted with permission of Heldref Publications.
Link: http://www.heldref.org
Topics:
Related Experiences NOS
Sabom, W. S. (1980). Near-death experience: A review from pastoral psychology. Journal of Religion and Health, 19(2) 130-140.

Sabom, W. S. (1980). Near-death experience: A review from pastoral psychology. Journal of Religion and Health, 19(2) 130-140.
Abstract: Published interpretations of near-death experience from the vantage of pastoral psychology are virtually nonexistent. Subjective reports from survivors and investigative contributions from other disciplines are scattered and diverse. A comparison of twenty-one near-death experience transcendence accounts with the available literature may not only offer direction for further systematic inquiry but also contribute to our pastoral understanding of life and death.
Copyright: © 1980 by Springer. Reproduced with permission.
Link: http://www.springerlink.com
Topics:
Animals and NDEs
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Pleasurable
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Spiritual
Characteristics of NDEs—Increased Knowledge, Thoughts
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Characteristics of NDEs—Otherworldly Environments
Characteristics of NDEs—Parapsychological Phenomena NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Return, Involuntary
Characteristics of NDEs—Return, Voluntary
Characteristics of NDEs—Return NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Kinesthetic
Disclosure of NDEs
Dreams and NDEs
Education about NDEs
Interpretations of NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research
Non-NDErs' Attitudes toward NDEs
Religion and NDEs—Christianity
Religion and NDEs NOS
Heaney, J. J. (1983). Recent studies of near-death experiences. Journal of Religion and Health, 22(2) 116-130.

Heaney, J. J. (1983). Recent studies of near-death experiences. Journal of Religion and Health, 22(2) 116-130.
Abstract: This article consists of a summary of the central points in the work of recent investigators of near-death experiences (NDEs). It considers the work of Moody, Osis, Rawlings, Ring, Sabom, and Grof as well as the criticisms of Noyes and Siegel. The appearance of a common core in the experiences suggests the presence of more than ordinary hallucinations. However, NDEs seem to be not literal experiences of life beyond death but archetypal experiences, the judgment of the validity of which will depend on one's assessment of depth symbolism.
Copyright: © 1983 by Springer. Reproduced with permission.
Link: http://www.springerlink.com
Topics:
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Definition of NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Parapsychological
Explanations of NDEs—Philosophical
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Explanations of NDEs NOS
Psychopathology and NDEs—Hallucinations
Religion and NDEs NOS
Theories, NDE-Related, Psychological—Jung
Theories, NDE-Related, Psychological—Grof
McLaughlin, S. A., & Maloney, H. N. (1984). Near-death experiences and religion: A further investigation. Journal of Religion and Health, 23(2) 149-159.

McLaughlin, S. A., & Maloney, H. N. (1984). Near-death experiences and religion: A further investigation. Journal of Religion and Health, 23(2) 149-159.
Abstract: The relationship between religion and near-death experiencers (NDEs) was examined by interviewing 40 near-death experiences [sic] who were given a series of instruments to measure religious orientation and religious change. No relationship was found between religious orientation prior to the NDE and the depth of the NDE. However, a significant correlation was found between the depth of the NDE and a subsequent increase both in the importance of religion and in religious activity. Various theoretical explanations of NDEs were examined to account for these findings.
Copyright: © 1984 by Springer. Reproduced with permission.
Link: http://www.springerlink.com
Topics:
Aftereffects of NDEs—Religion
Afterlife, Belief in
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Adults
Characteristics of NDErs—Education Level
Characteristics of NDErs—Gender
Characteristics of NDErs—Religious Affiliations
Characteristics of NDErs NOS
Disclosure of NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research
Religion and NDEs NOS
Pennachio, J. (1986). Near-death experience as mystical experience. Journal of Religion and Health, 25(1) 64-72.

Pennachio, J. (1986). Near-death experience as mystical experience. Journal of Religion and Health, 25(1) 64-72.
Abstract: Near-death experience exhibits many attributes of mystical awareness. Assessing the mystical quality of psychedelic experience, Walter Pahnke identified a nine-category typology of mystical experience. It is used here to illustrate the mystical nature of near-death experience. The typology also describes the self-transformation which follows the mystical state of consciousness. Self-transformation results from near-death experience. Pahnke's mystical typology characterizes the near-death experience and allows for a definition of near-death experience as a mystical state.
Copyright: © 1986 by Springer. Reproduced with permission.
Link: http://www.springerlink.com
Topics:
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Life
Aftereffects of NDEs—Sense of Self, Psychological and Physical
Altered States and NDEs
Definition of NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Parapsychological
Healing and NDEs—Psychological
Religion and NDEs—Mysticism
Greene, F. G. (1981). A glimpse behind the life review. Journal of Religion and Psychical Research, 4(2) 113-130.

Greene, F. G. (1981). A glimpse behind the life review. Journal of Religion and Psychical Research, 4(2) 113-130.
Abstract: The author draws attention to the fact that there has not yet been sufficient analysis of the panoramic memory recall which is frequently an element in near-death experiences, and his intent is to fill that gap. He considers two explanations of this phenomenon: a neurological explanation and an explanation based on the concept of hyperspace. He defends and develops the latter, but ends with the suggestion the two hypotheses are not incompatible.
Copyright: © 1981. Reprinted with permission of the Academy of Spirituality and Paranormal Studies, Inc.
Link: http://www.aspsi.org/pubs/journal_and_newsletter.php
Topics:
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Life Review
Characteristics of NDEs—Perception of Time
Circumstances of NDEs—Suicide
Explanations of NDEs—Parapsychological
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Psychopharmacology and NDEs NOS
Thanatology and NDEs
Reichenbach, B. (1983). Near death experiences: Hallucinations or glimpses of afterlife? Journal of Religion and Psychical Research, 6(1) 47-54.

Reichenbach, B. (1983). Near death experiences: Hallucinations or glimpses of afterlife? Journal of Religion and Psychical Research, 6(1) 47-54.
Abstract: The author begins by drawing attention to the currently controversial issue as to whether or not the near-death experience is a glimpse of the afterlife and of normally concealed aspects of reality. He then provides evidence concerning this topic drawn from the works of Joseph Anton Schneiderfranken (1876-1943) who wrote under the name of Bo Yin Ra.
Copyright: © 1983. Reprinted with permission of the Academy of Spirituality and Paranormal Studies, Inc.
Link: http://www.aspsi.org/pubs/journal_and_newsletter.php
Topics:
Afterlife, Belief in
Afterlife, NDErs’ Descriptions of
Altered States and NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Philosophical
Religion and NDEs—Mysticism
Religion and NDEs NOS
Spirituality and NDEs
Greene, F. G. (1983). The out-of-body experience, extrasomatic or intrasomatic phenomenon? A non-Euclidean higher space approach. Journal of Religion and Psychical Research, 6(3) 159-180.

Greene, F. G. (1983). The out-of-body experience, extrasomatic or intrasomatic phenomenon? A non-Euclidean higher space approach. Journal of Religion and Psychical Research, 6(3) 159-180.
Abstract: This explanation of the OBE utilizes the branch of mathematics called topology. A non-Euclidian geometry of irregular hyper-complex curves enfolding three dimensional space through a fourth dimension is proposed as a model capable of accounting for a number of independently reported OBE phenomenological effects. Three general classes of OBE phenomenology are categorized and then matched with various aspects of the model’s topology. These classes are: 1. general OBE visual/bodily sensation “space distortion”; 2. spherical/circular visual effects and the “balloon body” effect and; 3. the hyperenveloping visual effect in which OBE subjects report the sensation of seeing “around corners” or of seeing in one visual gestalt “all sides” of three dimensional object/things. The paper briefly explores in a tentative and partial fashion the model’s usefulness as an explanation for the paranormal.
Copyright: © 1983. Reprinted with permission of the Academy of Spirituality and Paranormal Studies, Inc.
Link: http://www.aspsi.org/pubs/journal_and_newsletter.php
Topics:
Related Experiences NOS
Lundahl, C. R., & Widdison, H. A. (1983). A comparison of Latter-Day Saint conceptions of the afterlife and the afterlife in Latter-Day Saint near-death experience. Journal of Religion and Psychical Research, 6(4) 288-294.

Lundahl, C. R., & Widdison, H. A. (1983). A comparison of Latter-Day Saint conceptions of the afterlife and the afterlife in Latter-Day Saint near-death experience. Journal of Religion and Psychical Research, 6(4) 288-294.
Abstract: The authors recount Latter-day Saint beliefs concerning the reality and nature of life after the death of the physical body. They report consistency between these beliefs and the accounts of Latter-day Saint NDE. They conclude that more data concerning the NDE are needed and that the comparison of the theology of the after-life and the near-death experiences is a fruitful area for future study.
Copyright: © 1983. Reprinted with permission of the Academy of Spirituality and Paranormal Studies, Inc.
Link: http://www.aspsi.org/pubs/journal_and_newsletter.php
Topics:
Afterlife, Belief in
Afterlife, NDErs’ Descriptions of
Religion and NDEs—Christianity, Mormonism
Davenport, A. W. (1984). Science and the near-death experience: Toward a new paradigm--Part I. Journal of Religion and Psychical Research, 7(1) 26-37.

Davenport, A. W. (1984). Science and the near-death experience: Toward a new paradigm--Part I. Journal of Religion and Psychical Research, 7(1) 26-37.
Abstract: The author’s thesis is that the issues pertaining to ontology and metaphysics which are raised by reports of NDE require a “field theory conceptualization of reality” such as that supplied by quantum physics. As prelude to this defense he explores salient aspects of 20th century philosophy of science and demonstrates the inadequacy of Newtonian physics in illumining the content of NDE.
Copyright: © 1984. Reprinted with permission of the Academy of Spirituality and Paranormal Studies, Inc.
Link: http://www.aspsi.org/pubs/journal_and_newsletter.php
Topics:
Altered States and NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Parapsychological
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Methodology in NDE Research
Psychopathology and NDEs—Hallucinations
Science and NDEs
Becker, C. B. (1984). On the objectivity of near death experiences. Journal of Religion and Psychical Research, 7(2) 66-74.

Becker, C. B. (1984). On the objectivity of near death experiences. Journal of Religion and Psychical Research, 7(2) 66-74.
Abstract: The author examines respects in which NDE’s may be considered 'objective' by focusing on three types of visions common to these experiences: deceased relatives, religious figures, and “other worlds.” He argues that character change on the part of the vision-percipient is psychologically important but philosophically inadequate to substantiate objectivity. However, factors such as (1) knowledge gained paranormally and later verified; (2) similarity of intentionality observed at deathbeds in different cultures; (3) differences between religious expectations and visions perceived; and (4) cases in which third-party observers also witnessed visionary figures, may indicate that more than simple hallucinations are taking place in NDE’s.
Copyright: © 1984. Reprinted with permission of the Academy of Spirituality and Paranormal Studies, Inc.
Link: http://www.aspsi.org/pubs/journal_and_newsletter.php
Topics:
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Spiritual
Characteristics of NDEs—Otherworldly Environments
Cultural, Social Influences on NDEs
Nearing Death and NDEs—Deathbed Visions
Richardson, G. E. (1979). The life-after-death phenomenon. Journal of School Health, 49(8) 451-453.

Richardson, G. E. (1979). The life-after-death phenomenon. Journal of School Health, 49(8) 451-453.
Abstract: The life-after-death phenomenon has created student interest and is often a topic initiated by students in death education courses. The article summarizes some popular publications about the life-after-death phenomenon and extracts commonalities that potentially affectother topic areas in a death education course or unit. Topic areas such as coping with death, suicide and stages of dying are then examined to note the effect the phenomenon can have on the topical discussions. The article concludes with a section on precautions in teaching the phenomenon.
Copyright: Reprinted with permission. American School Health Association, Kent, Ohio. 1979.
Link: http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/journal.asp?ref=0022-4391
Topics:
Afterlife, Belief in
Circumstances of NDEs—Suicide
Education about NDEs
Non-NDErs' Attitude Change after Learning about NDEs
Thanatology and NDEs
Cook, E. W., Greyson, B., & Stevenson, I. (1998). Do any near-death experiences provide evidence for survival of human personality after death? Relevant features and illustrative case reports. Journal of Scientific Exploration, 12(3) 377-406.

Cook, E. W., Greyson, B., & Stevenson, I. (1998). Do any near-death experiences provide evidence for survival of human personality after death? Relevant features and illustrative case reports. Journal of Scientific Exploration, 12(3) 377-406.
Abstract: One of the main reasons that near-death experiences have generated so much interest in recent years among the general public is because they seem to provide evidence that consciousness survives the death of the physical body. It is puzzling, therefore, that most researchers -- both those interested in NDEs and those interested in survival research -- have neglected to address the question of whether NDEs do provide evidence for survival. We describe three features of NDEs -- enhanced mentation, the experience of seeing the physical body from a different position in space, and paranormal perceptions -- that we believe might provide convergent evidence supporting the survival hypothesis. We then describe 7 published cases and 7 cases from our own collection that contain all three features. These cases are all -- with one possible exception -- somewhat deficient with regard to their recording and investigation, but they exemplify the type of case that should be identified earlier and investigated more thoroughly than these have been, and that may then help us decide the extent to which NDEs can contribute to the evidence for survival of consciousness after death.
Copyright: © 1998. Reprinted with permission of the Journal of Scientific Exploration.
Link: http://www.scientificexploration.org/
Topics:
Accounts of NDEs—Autobiographical
Accounts of NDEs—Biographical, Cases
Afterlife, Belief in
Altered States and NDEs
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Pleasurable
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
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—Sensory, Kinesthetic
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Sound, Hearing
Characteristics of NDEs—Tunnel Experiences
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Circumstances of NDEs—Accident
Circumstances of NDEs—Consciousness and Unconsciousness
Circumstances of NDEs—Hospital
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Disclosure of NDEs
Health Care Professionals and NDEs—Medical
Mental Processes and NDEs
Pasricha, S (1993). A systematic survey of near-death experiences in South India. Journal of Scientific Exploration, 7(2) 161-171.

Pasricha, S (1993). A systematic survey of near-death experiences in South India. Journal of Scientific Exploration, 7(2) 161-171.
Abstract: In order to determine the prevalence rate of Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) in south India, the author systematically surveyed four villages with a total population of 6430 persons. Eighteen persons were reported to have died (or nearly died) and revived. Thirteen (72%) of them reported having had NDEs which is about 2 cases per thousand of the population surveyed. Eleven features of the south Indian cases are compared with the features of north Indian cases. Most of the principal features of the south Indian cases resemble those reported from north India. However, they also differed in the frequencies of four features; two of the features were reported chiefly by the north Indian subjects while another two only by the south Indian subjects. All these four features have been reported among American cases. The author suggests the possibility of a genuine phenomenon underlying the similarities of features among cases in two different cultures.
Copyright: © 1993. Reprinted with permission of the Journal of Scientific Exploration.
Link: http://www.scientificexploration.org/
Topics:
Accounts of NDEs—Autobiographical
Accounts of NDEs—Biographical, Cases
Characteristics of NDErs—Age, Adults
Characteristics of NDErs—Gender
Characteristics of NDErs—Occupation
Characteristics of NDErs—Socioeconomic Status
Characteristics of NDErs NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Autoscopy, Out-of-Body
Characteristics of NDEs—Emotions, Distressing
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Spiritual
Characteristics of NDEs—Perception of Time
Characteristics of NDEs—Return NOS
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Kinesthetic
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Circumstances of NDEs—Accident
Circumstances of NDEs—Consciousness and Unconsciousness
Circumstances of NDEs—Hospital
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Cross-Cultural NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research
Non-NDErs' Attitudes toward NDEs
Schroter-Kunhardt, M. (1993). A review of near death experiences. Journal of Scientific Exploration, 7(3) 219-239.

Schroter-Kunhardt, M. (1993). A review of near death experiences. Journal of Scientific Exploration, 7(3) 219-239.
Abstract: Near death experiences (NDEs) have been reported throughout time in essentially all cultures. The contents of modern NDEs are independent of gender, age, and profession. The frequency of occurrence is estimated to lie between 10 and 50 percent of all near-death situations. This frequency could be higher still, perhaps even 100 percent, were it not for the dreamlike and dissociative character of the experience and the amnesia-prone participation of the temporal lobe causing a clear tendency to forget the NDE. A number of similar elements are common to NDEs, such as an out-of-body experience in which the physical body and its surroundings are observed from various external vantage points, often from above. Numerous cases exist in which the reality of the ODE-observation can be independently verified by external conditions, situations, people, objects, etc. Even previously non-religious ND experiencers subsequently show a markedly decreased fear of death and a corresponding increase in belief in life after death. Certain elements of NDE-like experiences can be induced by, for example, electrical stimulation of the right temporal lobe or the use of hallucinogenic substances. It is possible that hallucinogenic transmitters (and endorphins) of the brain itself play a role in the NDE. Nevertheless, there are NDE-elements, such as the frequently reopened life-review and certainly the acquisition of external verifiable information concerning the physical surroundings during the experience that cannot be explained by physiological causes. Wish-fulfillment, death-denial or other defense mechanisms of the brain are also not adequate explanations. The large body of NDE data now accumulated point to genuine evidence for a non-physical reality and paranormal capacities of the human-being.
Copyright: © 1993. Reprinted with permission of the Journal of Scientific Exploration.
Link: http://www.scientificexploration.org/
Topics:
Aftereffects of NDEs—Orientation to Death
Afterlife, Belief in
Altered States and NDEs
Cross-Cultural NDEs
Definition of NDEs
Explanations of NDEs—Parapsychological
Explanations of NDEs—Physiological, Neurological, Brain
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Historical Perspectives on NDEs
Psychopathology and NDEs NOS
Related Experiences—NDE-Like
Religion and NDEs NOS
Veridical Perception during NDEs

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Near-Death Experiences:
Index to the Periodical Literature through 2011