IANDS: The International Association for Near-Death Studies

A general brochure describing IANDS, its mission and goals. Includes membership information and application.

Coming Back: Understanding Near-Death and Similar Experiences

General information explaining what NDEs are and how they occur.

Near-Death Experiences: Key Facts

Important facts about the near-death experience: definition, features of NDEs, prevalence of NDEs, cross-cultural comparisons, veridical perceptions in NDE, explanations of NDE, aftereffects and attitudinal changes, challenges from NDEs, future research. (Print this brochure 2-sided / back-to-back. The folded format fits on 8.5x11" paper folded and the 1-page format - larger type - fits on 8.5x11" paper unfolded.)

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Download PDF  1-page format

Aftereffects of Near-death States

Around eighty percent of the people who experienced near-death states claimed that their lives were forever changed by what happened to them.  On closer examination, though, a pattern of surprising dimensions emerged.  Experiencers were not returning with just a renewed zest for life and a more spiritual outlook.  They were evidencing specific psychological and physiological differences on a scale never before faced by them...

Caring for the Near-Death Experiencer: Considerations for Caregivers

A "caregiver" refers to anyone in whom a near-death experiencer (NDEr) confides about their NDE.  The first caregiver to whom most NDErs turn is a medical professional who is nearby within moments, hours, or days of the NDE.  Other caregivers include family, friends, and anyone else to whom the NDEr discloses their experience.  Usually, the first discussion of an NDE plays an important role in the course of the NDEr's integration process...

Caring for the Near-Death Experiencer: Considerations for Experiencers

If you have had or think you might have had a near-death experience (NDE), you probably have at least some interest in talking about it.  Although some experiencers' desire to talk is to proselytize, to try to convert the listener to a particular point of view or belief system, most experiencers' desire is to process the experience understand it and integrate it into one's life.

Children's Near-Death Experiences

Youngsters of any age can have an NDE.  Very young children, as soon as they are able to speak, have reported NDEs they had as infants or in the process of being born.

Distressing Near-Death Experiences

Most near-death experiencers (NDErs) report that their experience was dominated by pleasurable feelings such as peace, joy, and bliss.  However, less commonly, some NDErs have reported that their experience was dominated by distressing, emotionally painful feelings such as fear, terror, horror, anger, loneliness, isolation, and/or guilt.

Experiencer's Guide to Psychotherapy

If you are an experiencer, whether or not you have people with whom you can talk, a good psychotherapist can help you gain skills and insights that will enable you to handle your extraordinary experiences more effectively.  Experiencers may benefit from the support of a therapist

Impact of the Near-Death Experience on Combat Veterans

While clinicians in most healthcare environments may have little knowledge of the NDE and its consequence, additional barriers exist in the military setting because the NDE and its consequences run counter to military culture. One issue relates to privacy and fear of disclosing the NDE to military commanders or health care providers... It's a culture in which consequences can happen quickly, and because of a lack of knowledge about NDEs, it may end a soldier’s career.

Impact of the Near-Death Experience on Grief and Loss

Bereaved individuals have reported finding peace and comfort from learning certain details about near-death experiences (NDEs) and related experiences.  Often those experiencing grief and loss are searching for answers to questions.

Near-Death Experiences and Nearing Death Awareness in the Terminally Ill

The terminally ill may have had a Near- Death Experience (NDE) prior to the final phase of their illness, but the remarkable experiences that they have as death approaches are called Nearing Death Awareness or NDAs.  NDAs are similar to, but have profound differences from the NDE.

Selected Bibliography of Near-Death Experiences

A short list of books to help you get started learning about the near-death experience (NDE).  Within each category, the resources appear in alphabetical order by author.

Starting a local Friends of IANDS (FOI) group

An introductory text outlining what it entails to become a leader of a local FOI group for IANDS.