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.

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.

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.

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.

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