Feinstein, D., & Krippner, S. (1994). Reconciling transcendent experiences with the individual's evolving mythology. Humanistic Psychologist, 22(2) 203-227.

Abstract: Altered states challenge an individual's established construction of reality, the personalized mythology by which one operates. Sometimes those altered states offer a glimpse into aspects of being that the mythology is unable to embrace. Experiences of this nature may challenge the prevailing mythic structure. This confrontation between the established construction of reality and the view provided in the altered state may inspire a profound and wholesome shift in the person's sense of being, or it may lead to destabilizing conflicts with previously unquestioned belief systems and patterns of behavior. This article discusses the lure -- and the dilemmas of attempting to incorporate directly into one's life the raw creativity of a powerful and inspiring altered state, the challenges reconciling such experiences with one's existing mythology, and it presents a framework for facilitating such reconciliation.

Copyright: © 1994. Reprinted with permission of the authors and Taylor & Francis, Ltd.

Link: http://www.informaworld.com

Topics:
Altered States and NDEs

Lee, R. L. (2003). The new face of death: Postmodernity and changing perspectives of the afterlife. Illness, Crisis & Loss, 11(2) 134-147.

Abstract: Reflections on the near-death experience, the bardo teachings in Tibetan Buddhism, and the relationship between dying and dreaming have made possible many new insights into the death process. The postmodern context in which this knowledge is being disseminated provides an environment conducive to understanding the meaning of self-transformation in life and death. These developments suggest that the denial and fear of death have been an unnecessary distraction in the unfolding of human consciousness.

Copyright: © 2003. Reprinted with permission of Baywood Publishing Company, Inc.

Link: http://www.baywood.com/

Topics:
Afterlife, Belief in
Altered States and NDEs
Historical Perspectives on NDEs
Media Treatment of NDEs
Religion and NDEs—Buddhism
Science and NDEs
Thanatology and NDEs

Van Quekelberghe, R., Gobel, P., & Hertweck, E. (1994-1995). Simulation of near-death and out-of-body experiences under hypnosis. Imagination, Cognition and Personality, 14(2) 151-164.

Abstract: In this article we report on an OBE and NDE-simulation study carried out with psychology students (n = 21). In addition to deep relaxation and special forms of hypnotic induction, a number of supplementary techniques were introduced. Effects of the simulation were examined by means of a questionnaire developed especially for the simulation experiment. Modifications and improvements were tested on several subjects who scored high on our questionnaires, and qualitative analysis were performed. Our observations and data are in accordance with findings from NDE and OBE research.

Copyright: © 1994. Reprinted with permission of Baywood Publishing Company, Inc.

Link: http://www.baywood.com/

Topics:
Hypnosis and NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research
Related Experiences—NDE-Like
Related Experiences NOS

Alvarado, C. S., & Zingrone, N. L. (1997-1998). Factors related to the depth of near-death experiences: Testing the 'embellishment over time' hypothesis. Imagination, Cognition and Personality, 17(4) 339-344.

Abstract: In this article we explore the correlation of several variables with the depth of the near-death experience (NDE) as measured by Ring's Weighted Core Experience Index (WCEI). For this purpose we analyzed fifty-one NDE cases presented by Sutherland in tabular form in her book Reborn in the Light. To test for the possibility that older cases are embellished as time goes on we predicted that we would find a positive correlation between the WCEI and the time elapsed between the experience and Sutherland's interview. Other exploratory analyses attempted to relate the WCEI to sex, age at the time of the experience and at the time of the interview, and type of medical crisis during which the experience took place. None of the analyses conducted obtained significant results. There was a non-significant trend for surgical NDE cases to have higher scores in the WCEI than other conditions.

Copyright: © 1997. Reprinted with permission of Baywood Publishing Company, Inc.

Link: http://www.baywood.com/

Topics:
Characteristics of NDErs—Age NOS
Characteristics of NDErs—Gender
Characteristics of NDErs NOS
Circumstances of NDEs—Accident
Circumstances of NDEs—Hospital
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Circumstances of NDEs—Induced Chemically
Circumstances of NDEs—Suicide
Circumstances of NDEs—Time Elapse
Circumstances of NDEs NOS
Interpretations of NDEs
Methodology in NDE Research

Singh, A. R., Bagadia, V. N., Pradhan, P. V., & Acharya, V. N. (1988). Death, dying and near death experience: Preliminary report on surveying the need and developing the method. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 30(3) 299-306.

Abstract: Psychology of deaths due to acute medical emergencies is under-researched. Most studies till now have concentrated on extended-death situations like malignancy. This open pilot study of twenty five patients examines the psychological state of patients during a life threatening acute medical illness (Group A, ten patients) and of those who survive such an experience (Group B, fifteen patients). The study finds psychological exploration both possible and necessary if carried out in a discreet manner. Salient features of the interview technique are discussed. The study finds out whether patients are aware of the possibility of terminality. The psychological disturbances manifest and nature of care expected are also discussed. Near Death Experiences of those who acknowledge their occurrence are reported. Some nuances of thanatological research are high-lighted; What are the abilities needed in an interviewer? Can such exploration increase psychological distress in a patient already prone to it because of serious medical sickness? What impact such research can have on the interviewer himself? The paper answers some of these common questions while developing the method of thanatological study in acute medical death-situations.

Copyright: © 1988. Reprinted with permission of the Indian Journal of Psychiatry.

Link: http://www.indianjpsychiatry.org/

Topics:
Characteristics of NDErs—Psychological Profile
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Deceased or Living
Characteristics of NDEs—Encountering Beings, Spiritual
Characteristics of NDEs—Light, Mystical
Characteristics of NDEs—Sensory, Sound, Hearing
Characteristics of NDEs—Tunnel Experiences
Characteristics of NDEs NOS
Circumstances of NDEs—Hospital
Circumstances of NDEs—Illness
Methodology in NDE Research
Nearing Death and NDEs NOS
Thanatology and NDEs