Gotlib, D. (1994). Comments on Twemlow's article. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 12(4) 229-233.

Abstract: Stuart Twemlow’s argument for a psychodynamic approach to anomalous experiences contains some weaknesses. First, Twemlow argues for a primarily mental model of UFO abductions without addressing the presence of physical evidence in some UFO sightings. This omission may reflect the practical limitations of the therapist’s role, which usually does not include fieldwork to collect and analyze corroborative physical evidence. Second, it may be difficult for some experiencers to understand or accept a purely psychodynamic approach. Kenneth Ring’s imaginal model, which encompasses Twemlow’s basic ideas, is suggested as a practical clinical model.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Related Experiences—UFO

Jones, F. C. (1994). Misidentified flying objects? A critique. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 12(4) 235-243.

Abstract: This critique reviews Stuart Twemlow’s excellent paper and presents some evidence-not proof-for the existence of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). My differences with Twemlow concern primarily his view of the psychological and social characteristics of UFO abductees and near-death experiencers (NDErs). I review the evidence for the “fantasy-prone personality,” report personal anecdotes with patients who believe they are UFO experiencers, and briefly discuss the psychoanalytic hypothesis that NDEs can be accounted for by a defense mechanism.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Counseling NDErs
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Healing and NDEs—Psychological
Related Experiences—UFO
Veridical Perception during NDEs

Lawson, A. H (1994). Response to the Twemlow paper. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 12(4) 245-265.

Abstract: Stuart Twemlow’s discussion would be strengthened by a familiarity with the birth memories hypothesis, a testable theory that views unidentified flying object (UFO) abduction claims as fantasies originating in perinatal experiences. This paper describes the birth memories hypothesis and provides evidence that near-death experiences, out-of-body experiences, shamans’ trances, and similar events are abduction analogs also originating in birth memories. I critique Twemlow’s remarks on abductions, “fantasy-prone” witnesses, and the positive or negative quality of abduction analogs; examine several long-standing puzzles about abductions that the birth memories hypothesis resolves; and review the omnipresence of birth-related imagery in cultural and artistic fantasy worldwide. This paper ends with a discussion of fetal experiences and their implication for the interpretation of “good” and “bad” UFO abductions, near-death experiences, and other analog fantasies.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Related Experiences—NDE-Like
Related Experiences NOS

Ring, K. (1994). Commentary on Stuart W. Twemlow's 'Misidentified flying objects?'. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 12(4) 267-272.

Abstract: Stuart Twemlow’s article has made an important dual contribution to our thinking about anomalous experiences: first, in offering a heuristic psychodynamic model in terms of which to view them, and second, in suggesting a definite link between near-death experiences (NDEs) and unidentified flying object (UFO) abductions. I consider his argument largely from the standpoint of my own recent research, which also brings out the similarities between precisely these same two types of encounters. My empirical findings support many of Twemlow’s observations, but important differences are noted between his more psychoanalytic perspective and my imaginal one. My comments conclude with a strong endorsement of Twemlow’s therapeutic stance toward anomalous experiences.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Related Experiences NOS

Twemlow, S. W. (1994). Misidentified flying objects? An integrated psychodynamic perspective on near-death experiences and UFO abductions. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 12(4) 205-223.

Abstract: This article proposes an integrated psychodynamic perspective to account in part for a variety of similarities between near-death experiences and UFO abductions. The psychodynamic psychology of these experiences implies that their “realness” is mainly a function of that psychology, rather than primarily of an objectifiable external reality. Clinical and research examples highlight the theoretical and practical usefulness of this model.

Copyright: © 2008 International Association for Near-Death Studies

Link: http://www.iands.org

Topics:
Aftereffects of NDEs NOS
Explanations of NDEs—Philosophical
Explanations of NDEs—Psychological
Related Experiences—UFO