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Empirically-Based Best Estimates of After-Death Communication (ADC) Phenomena: A Systematic Review of Research: Article discussing and ranking 35 studies on after-death communication (ADC) related phenomena.
Why Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) Matter to Psychology: An Exploration of Aotearoa New Zealand Psychologists' Knowledge off NDEs and Implications for Professional Practice: Study on how NDEs are perceived and understood within psychology.
Comparing Near-Death Experiences and Shared Death Experiences: An Illuminating Contrast: Article comparing records of persons who reported near-death experiences (i.e., experienced by a person close to death) with shared death experiences (i.e., experienced by someone other than the person close to death). It discusses similarities and differences in features and aftereffects based on these reports.
"It's made me reassess what I think and believe." An Exploratory Study of Therapists' Experiences With Their Clients' Deathbed Visions, Deathbed Coincidences, and After-Death Communication: Article discussing an analysis of literature and interview data with implications for clinical practice related to therapists working with clients who report experiencing deathbed visions, deathbed coincidences, or after-death communication.
Recent Report of Electroencephalogram of a Dying Human Brain: Invited commentary discussing interpretation of brainwave recordings taken of an elderly patient who suffered a cardiac arrest and it's relationship to near-death experiences.
Observed Somatic Continuance During Spontaneous Out-of-Body Experiences: Article regarding observed somatic continuance (OSC) -- i.e., situations where an experiencer observes their physical body persisting in semi-autonomous behavior from what appears to be a detached vantage point -- and discussing possible theories about what might trigger the experiences.
Hypnotically Induced Near-Death-Like Experiences: An Exploratory Study of Phenomenological Similarities to Near-Death Experiences: Article discussing the results of a study that used hypnosis to simulate near-death experiences.
Commentary on After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal About Life and Beyond, by Bruce Greyson, MD: Article outlining the ways that near-death experiences (NDEs) may be described in a psychedelic framework in terms of neurobiology, within the context of a book written by Dr. Bruce Greyson, which does not use this framework.
Response to Pascal Michael's Commentary on "After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal About Life and Beyond": Article responding to criticism of the author's book regarding research in near-death experiences (NDEs) and clarifying that psychedelic molecules may be a factor in some NDEs but is only one factor and not relevant to all NDEs.
Rejoinder to Bruce Greyson's "Response to Pascal Michael's Commentary on After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal About Life and Beyond": Statement responding to the arguments in Bruce Grayson's article which addressed this author's criticism about Grayson's book on near-death experience (NDE) research and the lack of reference to psychedlic frameworks.
Near-Death Experiences and Claims of Past-Life Memories: Article discussing the role of life reviews during near-death experiences (NDEs) and situations in which those experiences have included memories that appear to be from a previous lifetime. It also addresses the apparent contradiction that some NDErs report meeting deceased persons in a non-Earthly realm.
Near-Death Experiencers' Beliefs and Aftereffects: Problems for the Fischer and Mitchell-Yellin Naturalist Explanation: Article arguing against the naturalist theory put forth by John Martin Fisher and Benjamin Mitchell-Yellin that near-death experiences (NDEs) could be metaphorical, compared to the supernaturalist theory that NDEs are real experiences.
Survival Psi and Somatic Psi: Exploratory Quantitative Phenomenological Analyses of Blinded Mediums' Experiences of Communication with the Deceased and Psychic Readings for the Living: Article describing the results of a quantitative assessment regarding the phenomenology of mediums using "survival psi" to telepathically communicate with physically deceased targets and also psychic readings for living targets.
Self-Location Kinematics Influence the Generation of Near-Death Experience Cognitive and Affective Perceptions: Article discussing research related to personal feelings of self-location and movement during near-death experiences (NDEs). It also describes the use of "Archi-Textures" to more clearly define spatio-temporal experiences during NDEs.
Sentiment Analysis of Web Scraped Near-Death Experience Narratives: Article documenting the findings of research that employed web-scraping of personal narratives to analyze the level of positive or negative sentiment expressed by experiencers regarding their near-death experiences.
Metaphysical Beliefs and Experiences Among Physician Trainees: An Exploratory Study: Article documenting the results of surveying 126 physician trainees regarding their beliefs about metaphysical experiences (e.g., near-death experiences, out-of-body experiences, shared-death experiences, and after-death communication) and experiences shared with them by patients. It also discusses results about the trainees' attitudes toward transcendental explanations and caring for end-of-life patients.
The Phenomenology of Iranian Near-Death Experiences: Article describing the findings regarding thematic analysis of seventeen near-death experience accounts provided by Iranian Shia Muslims to determine how these experiences overlap or diverge from accounts given by experiencers from Western cultures.
Quantum Physics as Analogy: A Response to "Quantum Misuse in Psychic Literature": Abstract: As one of the authors whose work the two retired physicists Jack A. Mroczkowski and Alexis P. Malozemoff (2019) discussed in their article "Quantum Misuse in Psychic Literature," which appears elsewhere in this journal issue, I appreciate the invitation to write this response. In it I will offer my views on quantum physics and the role of consciousness, further information about studies pertaining to near-death experiences (NDEs) and consciousness in general, and several quotations from my book that substantiate my use of quantum physics as analogy rather than established fact as it pertains to consciousness.
Don't Look at My Hand: A Response to "Quantum Misuse in Psychic Literature": Abstract: In this invited response to the article "Quantum Misuse in Psychic Literature" by Jack A. Mroczkowski and Alexis P. Malozemoff, appearing in this issue of the Journal of Near-Death Studies, I agree that the term "quantum" can be misused if it is used as an explanation for psychic phenomena. What quantum mechanics does provide, whereas classical mechanics does not, is evidence that the physical world is compatible with psychic phenomena. That is, the core mystery about psychic experiences is that they transcend the everyday constraints of space and time. The same mystery is true of quantum phenomena. Some authors claim that this shared mystery is a mere coincidence. If so, that is an astonishing coincidence.
Quantum Misuse in Psychic Literature: Abstract: In this paper, we address an unfortunate growing trend involving misuse of quantum physics in psychic and healing literature, including literature on near-death experiences. After a brief introduction to quantum physics, we provide examples and explanations of misuse. Such misuse encourages undue skepticism of what might otherwise be valuable reading. We conclude with recommendations to authors and publishers about how to guard against this problem.
Quantum Misuse in Psychic Literature: A Rejoinder: Abstract: We provide a rejoinder to the responses of Chopra, Goswami, Kastrup, Radin, and van Lommel to our article "Quantum Misuse in Psychic Literature" that opens this journal issue. Our comments may be summarized in two main themes: These authors failed to recognize (a) how and why the von Neumann concept that only consciousness can collapse the quantum wavefunction has been largely rejected by physicists today and that quantum collapse is now understood to be able to occur without a conscious human observer, and (b) that their efforts to justify a universal consciousness on the basis of presently understood nonlocality are flawed. Also, in our view, from a quantum physics perspective the universe may be much less entangled and holistic than psi authors often assume. In conclusion, we contend that quantum misuse by psi authors remains a serious problem, undermining the credibility of psi research. We provide suggestions to help psi authors avoid this problem in the future.
Reasonable Inferences from Quantum Mechanics: A Response to "Quantum Misuse in Psychic Literature": Abstract: This invited article is a response to the paper "Quantum Misuse in Psychic Literature," by Jack A. Mroczkowski and Alexis P. Malozemoff, published in this issue of the Journal of Near-Death Studies. Whereas I sympathize with Mroczkowski's and Malozemoff's cause and goals, and I recognize the problem that they attempted to tackle, I argue that their criticisms often overshot the mark and end up adding to the confusion. I address nince specific technical points that Mroczkowski and Malozemoff accused popular writers in the fields of health care and parapsychology of misunderstanding and misrepresenting. I argue that, by and large--and contrary to Mroczkowski's and Malozemoff's claims--the statements made by these writers are often reasonable and generally consistent with the current state of play in foundations of quantum mechanics.
Not Misuse but Progress: A Response to "Quantum Misuse in Psychic Literature": Abstract: In rebuttal to the article "Quantum Misuse in Psychic literature" by Jack A Mroczkowski and Alexis P. Malozemoff published in this issue of the Journal of Near-Death Studies, I briefly present the quantum science of consciousness, provide its experimental verification, and mention some of its applications. I then briefly summarize one such application--near-death experiences. I also provide an explanation of how a macro material body such as the brain can be quantum.
Misuse or Breakthrough? Mind and the Quantum Model: A Reponse to "Quantum Misuse in Psychic Literature": Abstract: The classic problem of how the mind and body relate, which is part of the general problem of how the physical universe may have given rise to consciousness, cannot be solved with a purely physical approach. In an attempt to locate a region of nature where mind and matter closely meet, many theorists both in and out of physics have looked to the quantum field. In their article "The Misuse of Quantum Physics in Psychic Literature" that appears elsewhere in this Journal issue, Jack A. Mroczkowski and Alexis P. Malozemoff proffered the accusation that these theorists engaged in "psychic" speculation, a misuse of quantum mechanics, and a misappropriate of science to further a spiritual agenda. In this invited response, I argue that the use of quantum in this way is entirely correct and suggests a radical paradigm shift.
An Exploratory Study of Perceptual and Cognitive Features in Near-Death Experiences: A Proposed Model and Research Recommendations: Abstract: This exploratory study was based on the cognitive and perceptual characteristics of 50 cases of near-death experiences (NDEs) collected through the International Association for Near-Death Studies-France. This study resulted in the formulation of a model of perception based on the concept of "global perception" or "global acquisition of information." Further analysis showed that this model is consistent with the concept that these perceptions are not purely hallucinatory but are, in part, modified perceptions of reality. Several clues are then proposed to explain how this type of information could be processed at the cerebral level and beyond. Finally, we offer a clinical research protocol, including a test that could lead to irrefutable proof of veridical perception during NDEs.
Rejoinder to Shushan's Response to Book Review: This statement addresses the critiques made by the author of a book (titled Near-Death Experience in Indigenous Religions) that had been reviewed by this article's author.
Revelations from Near-Death Experiences of Two Ancient Chinese Coma Patients: Article analyzing ancient medical accounts of near-death experiences in China, with discussion of religious influences and context, as well as the significance of the documentation.
Response to James Matlock's Review of Near-Death Experience in Indigenous Religions by Gregory Shushan: Rebuttal in response to a review of a book written by the article's author, discussing points made by the reviewer about the book's position regarding evolutionism, methods used, and other statements made in the review.
Therapeutic Storytelling for Dying and Living: The Value of Famous Authors' Stories: Abstract: The value of therapeutic storytelling within the context of psychological counseling--in which a counseling practitioner offers the client a story intended to facilitate processing, insight, and/or psychological growth--has been documented. Using a case study, the benefits of this kind of storytelling with a client who had a transpersonal experience is explored, particularly relating to providing education and normalizing and de-stigmatizing these experiences. A case is made for the value of literature, the lives of great writers, and the humanities generally as a source of potentially useful stories for mental health professionals interested in adding storytelling as an adjunct to counseling practice.
Coping with Cancer: Case Studies on the Effects of Learning About Near-Death Experiences: Abstract: People diagnosed with cancer frequently report deleterious psychological experiences because of their diagnosis and subsequent medical treatment. One particularly helpful coping strategy reported by cancer patients is psychoeducational on spiritual topics. Anecdotally, cancer survivors reported that psychoeducation about near-death experiences (NDEs) has been a source of great comfort. In this article, we present two case studies on cancer survivors who reported that learning about NDEs helped them cope with cancer successfully by enabling them to face with greater peace both ongoing medical treatment and a potential for death.
Subjective Sleep Quality After a Near-Death Experience: Abstract: Findings from several studies suggest near-death experiences (NDEs) may influence sleep quality. In this study, we examined self-reported duration, latency, and quality of sleep in those who had experienced a life-threatening event and who had and had not reported an associated NDE. Participants were 154 members of the general New Zealand population who completed an online quantitative questionnaire that included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Near-Death Experience Scale, Impact of Event Scale-Revised, and Life Changes Inventory-Revised. Both the NDE and non-NDE groups indicated sleep habits had changed after their close encounter with death. Participants slept less, took longer to fall asleep, and experienced more sleep disturbances. However, we found no differences between the groups, suggesting sleep alterations occurred in response to the near-death event rather than specifically to the NDE.
The Mystical Experience and Its Neural Correlates: Abstract: Despite their different etiologies, three types of spiritually transformative experiences (STEs)--near-death experiences, psilocybin experiences, and meditative experiences of cosmic consciousness--appear to have attributes that are common to a broad range of mystical experiences, including an experience of expanded awareness. In addition, all three appear to be associated with profound and lasting transformations in the lives of experiencers. Finally, these three experiences appear to share some common neural correlates. In this article, we discuss similarities in case studies of these STEs, in data from controlled clinical research studies on their transformative effects, as well as from neurophysiological data correlated with the occurrence of STEs themselves. In all three STEs, research shows a reduction in neural activity in the major centers of the brain, including the Default Mode Network, the foundation of egoic stories involving the narrative related to oneself and the world in which one lives. It is proposed that during these STEs, reduced neural activity in areas of the brain that normally act as a filter or reducing valve mechanism opens the capacity to expanded awareness, which is associated with lasting transformation in the lives of experiencers.
The Significance of Autoscopies as a Time Marker for the Occurrence of Near-Death Experiences: Abstract: The physiological and psychological underpinnings of near-death experiences (NDEs) are not yet understood. In this article, we show that for "critical" NDEs reported after cardiac arrest, two different neurophysiological models have been proposed that, in the literature so far, have not been adequately distinguished from each other. In the real-time model, it is postulated that during critical NDEs, residual activities in the cerebrum were sufficient to generate NDEs in real time. In the reconstruction model, it is assumed that due to severe oxygen deficiency, critical NDEs could not have occurred at the time in question but were reconstructed later during the regeneration phase of the brain. To assess the plausibility of these two models, we analyzed the phenomenology of the view of one's own body from above (autoscopy) that frequently occurs in the beginnings of NDEs. In addition to the available literature, we used original descriptions of autoscopies obtained in an online survey conducted in 2015. We found that the reconstruction model is not supported by empirical findings and that some findings even speak against it. We therefore conclude that future discussions of explanatory models of NDEs should focus primarily on the neurophysiological real-time model and a third alternative according to which autoscopies and NDEs occur in relative independence from the prevailing neurophysiological processes in the brain.
Near-Death Experience Features During Various Phases Related to the Unconsciousness: An Exploratory Study of Norwegian Hospital Patients [Brief Report]: Abstract: The objective of this study was to explore the states of consciousness associated with various features of near-death experience (NDE). The sample comprised 23 Norwegian adult survivors of unconsciousness associated with life threatening medical conditions, either cardiac arrest (CA; n=19) or surgery to address another type of trauma (OT; n=4). Of these, 11 CA and 4 OT patients endorsed at least one item on the Near-Death Experience Scale--Norwegian translation. We individually interviewed each of the 23 patients to ascertain their perception of the phase of unconsciousness in which each endorsed item on the NDE Scale occurred. Although most features reportedly occurred during unconsciousness, at least one item was endorsed for four other phases related to unconsciousness: before, while awakening from, after (conscious), and after (asleep/dream). Our results indicate that healthcare providers need to be prepared that ND experiencers may report clinically significant NDE features during both unconsciousness itself and that more research into this topic is warranted.
Does Cultural Context Influence Descriptions of Change After a Near-Death Experience? Exploratory Findings from an Aotearoa New Zealand Sample: Abstract: A host of literature accumulated over the past 40 years attests to the powerfully transformative nature of near-death experiences (NDEs) through a consistently reported pattern of aftereffects. Many of the qualitative and quantitative studies of post-NDE changes have been conducted in the United States and in Western European nations. Although examining the cultural diversity of NDEs was recently highlighted as a research priority, no researchers to date have examined how near-death experiencers (NDErs) from Aotearoa New Zealand describe any changes they experience after their NDEs, whether these descriptions are similar to those in previous research with samples from other Western nations, and, if not, whether culturally-specific explanations might account for those cross-cultural differences. In this exploratory study, our aim was to examine these questions. Participants were 28 individuals who self-identified as NDErs. Four participants were interviewed about their NDEs, whereas a further 24 provided written accounts. All 28 accounts were thematically analyzed, with findings overall indicating that many of the NDE aftereffects reported in previous literature were also evident in our sample. In cases in which participants did not describe typical aftereffects identified in previous literature, possibly culturally specific explanations are provided.
Distressing Near-Death Experience: An Iranian Shia Muslim Case: Abstract: In this article we present a distressing near-death experience (NDE) that a 23-year-old Iranian Shi'ite Muslim man described having experienced five years previously, during coma following a serious car accident. Given that very few Muslims, especially Iranians, have reported NDEs, one of our aims in presenting this case was to begin to fill this void in the near-death studies literature. We provide extensive quotations from our 40-minute interview with this experiencer, in which he describes the NDE itself as well as aftereffects of it, including experiences of disclosing it to others. We conclude with a discussion about the relationship between his NDE and Islamic beliefs as well as what his case can offer regarding an understanding of the role of culture in NDEs.
Spontaneous Mediumship Experiences Among Near-Death Experiencers: A Qualitative Study: Abstract: We describe results of a qualitative study investigating spontaneous mediumship experiences (SMEs) of near-death experiencers (NDErs). Using archival data from a prior survey (Holden, Foster & Kinsey, 2014), we used cross-comparison qualitative analysis to examine emerged themes of participants' descriptions of SME characteristics, challenges of SMEs, and strategies to cope with SMEs. We identified 19 themes across 3 research questions. We discuss implications, including our urge to NDE researchers to continue investigating SMEs among NDErs to provide deeper clarity and understanding of this NDE aftereffect.
"My heart sang within me, and I was glad to be dead": The Reception of Near-Death Experiences Across the Cultures of Oceania: Abstract: A comparative survey of how near-death experiences (NDEs) intersected with afterlife myths and shamanic practices, as reported in the mid-19th to mid-20th century by missionaries, explorers, and ethnographers of Polynesia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Australia, reveals various culturally distinct patterns. In Polynesia and Melanesia, documentary accounts of NDEs are found alongside myths and beliefs that directly refer to the phenomenon. In contrast, in Australia and Micronesia NDEs are almost entirely absent, and afterlife journey myths instead typically have shamanic contexts. I argue that these dynamics can be explained by reference to certain religious and cultural particularities, including differences in burial practices, variations in attitudes towards the dead, and diversity of shamanic traditions.
Understanding Near-Death Experiences: A Rejoinder to Mitchell-Yellin's Response: Article discussing Benjamin Mitchell-Yellin's response to Robert J. and Suzanne B. Mays critique of "Near Death Experiences: Understanding Visions of the Afterlife" by John Martin Fischer and Benjamin Mitchell-Yellin.
Understanding Near-Death Experiences: A Response to Mays and Mays's Review: Article discussing Robert and Suzanne Mays' critique of "Near Death Experiences: Understanding Visions of the Afterlife" by Benjamin Mitchell-Yellin and John Martin Fischer. The article addresses each of Mays' points and states that they misattributed claims to Mitchell-Yellin and Fischer.
Near-Death Experiences: A Critique of the Fischer and Mitchell-Yellin Physicalist Interpretation: Abstract: In "Near Death Experiences: Understanding Visions of the Afterlife," authors John Martin Fischer and Benjamin Mitchell-Yellin (2016) argued for purely physicalist explanations of near-death experiences (NDEs) and against "supernatural" explanations involving objects and events--out-of-body experiences, heavenly realms, meeting deceased relatives--that have no physical reality. In our critique, we identify two major weaknesses to their argument: heavy reliance on ad hoc hypotheses and frequent appeal to "promissory materialism." Fischer and Mitchell-Yellin applied the term "hallucination" to NDEs because, by definition, they "do not correspond to reality." We found use of this term problematic for several reasons: that NDE perceptions are phenomenologically different from hallucinations, that NDE perceptions of the physical realm are nearly always veridical, and that labelling NDEs "hallucinations" pathologizes a normal, subjective experience, with potentially harmful psychological outcomes. Although Fischer and Mitchell-Yellin argued a theory of NDEs that invokes only one explanatory factor, we argue for a likely common proximate cause for all NDEs and that the nonphysical "mind-entity theory" in which the nonmaterial mind separates from the physical body in an NDE, is a likely candidate theory with good explanatory power. We believe that ultimately the theory explaining NDEs will be corrected through the normal process of scientific inquiry, resulting in an expansion of current physicalist theory to include what is now considered supernatural, thus becoming an extended, transmaterial naturalist theory.
Impact of an Online Education Program on Counselors' Knowledge and Attitudes About Near-Death Experiences: Results of a study to test knowledge and attitudes among licensed U.S. counselors regarding near-death experiences (NDEs) through surveys administered before and after the counselors completed an online course.
Obituary: Robert Morris, Ph.D.: Obituary for Robert Morris, the first Koestler Chair of Parapsychology at Edinburgh. The text describes his professional career and publications.
Undergraduate Psychology Students' Knowledge and Attitudes About Near-Death Experiences: Does Educaiton about NDEs Make a Difference: Article discussing the results of research to measure the impact of intervention in undergraduate psychology classes that provided education about near-death experiences (NDEs) and determine whether curricula should be changed.
"He should stay in the grave": Cultural Patterns in the Interpretation of Near-Death Experiences in African Traditional Religions: Abstract: A wide-ranging survey of ethnographic, explorer, and missionary literature demonstrates that although historical accounts of near-death experiences (NDEs) are attested in indigenous African societies, they are comparatively rare. Correspondingly, there is also a scarcity of mythological narratives of journeys to afterlife realms and a comparative lack of concern with afterlife speculation per se. Instead the literature reveals that many African peoples had marked concerns about potentially malevolent influences of ancestral spirits, shamanistic focus on spirit possession and sorcery, and precipitous burial practices limiting the occurrence of NDEs. NDEs were sometimes seen as aberrational, suggesting that individuals would have been reluctant to relate them. In such cultural environments, NDEs could scarcely have played a significant role in contributing to afterlife conceptions.
Obituary: Rhea White, M.L.S.: Obituary for Rhea White, the founder and director of the Exceptional Human Experience Network. The text describes her professional career and publications.
Historical Near-Death and Reincarnation-Intermission Experiences of the Tlingit Indians: Case Studies and Theoretical Reflection: Article discussing historical accounts of six near-death experiences (NDEs) and three reincarnation-intermission experiences (IEs) among Tlingit Indians in Alaska and comparing those experiences to accounts from similar populations elsewhere to draw general conclusions regarding similarities.
Development of the Knowledge and Attitudes About Near-Death Experiences Scale (KANDES): Article discussing the development of an instrument to measure healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitudes about NDEs that would demonstrate acceptable psychometric properties.
Guest Editorial: Eben Alexander's Near-Death Experience: How an Esquire article Distorted the Facts: Review written by Michael Sabom criticizing a magazine article that challenges the claims in Eben Alexander's Near-Death Experience in his book, "Proof of Heaven."
Patients' Disclosures of Near-Death Experiences and other Anomalous Death-Related Phenomena: Perspective From a General Psychiatric Clinic: Article discussing the factors at play during Near-Death Experience disclosures between patients and professionals in psychiatric practice.

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