Search Results

Surprise - and Discovery? - in the Near-Death Experience
Article exploring expressions of surprise and puzzlement that lend a ring of authenticity to self-reports of near-death experiences (NDEs). Surprise typically indicates the discovery of novel features of reality during the cognition-reality interplay that makes learning possible. If at least some NDE surprises are discoveries in a nonsubjective sense, then that cognition-reality interplay can continue during moments near death as subject learn that self and reality must be understood to include a nonmaterial realm.
Variations from the Prototypic Near-Death Experience: The "Individually Tailored" Hypothesis
Study of firsthand accounts of near-death experiences (NDEs), which revealed a number of variations from the prototypic NDE description, including feeling judged during a life review, seeing a nondeceased friend in the tunnel, experiencing no pain upon returning to the physical body, and crossing a barrier before being sent back.
Recreating Near-Death Experiences: A Cognitive Approach
Abstract: I describe a guided meditation that, when used by near-death experiencers (NDErs), recreates fragments of their NDEs. The meditation is based on Michael Persinger's neurological theory regarding the "God Experiences," and its success supports that theory. The present study included too few subjects to support quantitative analysis, and must be regarded as a pilot study.
The Reimagination of Death: Dream Yoga, Near-Death, and Clear Light
Article discussing the meaning of the clear light in dream yoga and in the near-death experience in order to inquire into the interpretation of its role in spiritual emancipation.
Assessing Psychologists' Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Near-Death Phenomena
Abstract: Nina Thornburg's (1988) Near-Death Phenomena Knowledge and Attitudes Questionnaire was distributed to 326 randomly selected Illinois psychologists. Of 117 usable questionnaires received, the mean score for knowledge questions was 7.5 of a maximum score of 18. Respondents were most knowledgeable about near-death elements of peace, out-of-body transcendence, and tunnel/light phenomena. The mean score for the attitude portion of the instrument was 61.3 of a maximum score of 85 points for the most positive attitude. Seven percent of the respondents indicated having had a near-death experience, 19% indicated having counseling near-death experiencers, and 28% indicated having had personal contacts with an experiencer.
The Meaning and Intensity of the Near-Death Experience
Article exploring the hypothesis that near-death experiencers (NDErs) assign the meaning of the NDE by using causal (effect) and semantic (affect) attributions. To test this hypothesis, 32 spontaneous verbal accounts of NDEs were analyzed.
A Comparative Study of Near-Death Experience and Non-Near-Death Experience Outcomes in 56 Survivors of Clinical Death
Article discussing the results of a study involving persons who experienced clinical death including both survivors who had near-death experiences (NDEs) and those who did not. Participants filled out questionnaires designed to identify changes in behavior following NDEs to compare the results between the two groups.
Comments on "A Neurobiological Model for Near-Death Experiences" [#3]
Article outlining the author's opinions and comments regarding a paper written by Juan C. Saavedra-Aguilar and Juan S. Gómez-Jeria, which approaches near-death experiences from a biological/neurological standpoint rather than a spiritual one.
God, Tragedy, and the Near-Death Experience: Evaluating Kushner's Perspectives on Theodicy
Article evaluating Harold Kushner's original and reconstructed perspectives on God and the theodicic problem on the basis of research on the near-death experience (NDE) and related phenomena.
Comments on "A Neurobiological Model for Near-Death Experiences" [#7]
Article outlining the author's opinions and comments regarding a paper written by Juan C. Saavedra-Aguilar and Juan S. Gómez-Jeria, which approaches near-death experiences from a biological/neurological standpoint rather than a spiritual one.
Guest Editorial: Kundalini and Healing in the West
Article discussing kundalini rising, and associated profound physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual changes which are occurring with increasing frequency to uninitiated and unprepared Westerners, often as a result of near-death experiences. A new paradigm in health care, emerging as a complement to traditional Western medical science, incorporates a variety of body-based and psychological therapies that validate the role of the True Self in health and wholeness and work with energetic and experiential phenomena such as kundalini.
Near-Death Experiences and the Pursuit of the Ideal Society
Article arguing that the society so often mentioned by near-death experiencers is a unique type of utopian society. As stories from utopia, near-death experiences (NDEs) serve an inspirational narratives that help re-evaluate the social world and our place in it.
Changes in Heart Transplant Recipients That Parallel the Personalities of Their Donors
Study evaluating whether changes following heart transplant surgery parallel the history of the donors, based on the systemic memory hypothesis which predicts that all dynamical systems that contain recurrent feedback loops store information and energy to various degrees.
Guest Editorial: Beginnings and Endings
Article asserting that the field of near-death studies needs to embrace other models and groups of professionals if it hopes to understand the near-death phenomenon. According to the author, no one can validate a near-death experience (NDE) except the experiencer; it is the aftereffects that impart real meaning to the experience and give it greater impact, and the "classical NDE model" that guides most near-death research can be limiting and misleading.
Near-Death Studies, 1981-82: A Review
Abstract: Near-death studies published in major scientific journals during 1981-82 are grouped by subject matter and briefly reviewed.
Ernesto Bozzano and the Phenomena of Bilocation
Italian psychical researcher Ernesto Bozzano was a well-known student of parapsychological phenomena and a strong defender of the concept of survival of bodily death. This paper includes an excerpt of what Bozzano referred to as the phenomena of bilocation.
Moody's Versus Siegel's Interpretation of the Near-Death Experience: An Evaluation Based on Recent Research
Article using recent research to evaluate Raymond Moody's versus Ronald Siegel's interpretations of the near-death experience (NDE). Whereas Moody had concluded that the NDE is ontologically valid, Siegel interpreted the NDE as a purely subjective hallucinatory phenomenon.
Pediatric Near-Death Experiences
Article reviewing one previously reported and three new pediatric near-death experiences (NDEs), in which the experiencers were interviewed as children, and which suggests that the childhood core NDE as described by Melvin Morse and colleagues may be expanded to include feeling pain-free, seeing a light at the tunnel's end, entering the light, and time alteration.
Loving Help from the Other Side: A Mosaic of Some Near-Death, and Near-Death-Like, Experiences
Article purporting that persons who have Stage 5 or Transcendental near-death experience frequently report they were given a message that they should be more loving and helpful to others upon returning to their bodies. On the other hand, some persons who have had near-death, or near-death-like, experiences report receiving loving help from "the other side." The author proposes that these reports are evidence that the other side "practices what it preaches."
Near-Death Studies and Modern Physics
Article exposing some of the principal problem areas between near-death studies and modern physics, and suggesting a greater collaboration between the two fields. Specific illustrations are given where collaborative effort might be fruitful. The paper also suggests a broader perspective in performing the research, one that places greater emphasis on an otherworldly thrust in future research.
The Devil in Heaven: A Near-Death Experience with both Positive and Negative Facets
Article describing a near-death experience that is of interest because it began to unfold as a positive experience but then changed course to become a negatively toned one. The article presents the details of the case and notes its principal theoretical implications.
A Quantum Biomechanical Basis for Near-Death Life Reviews
Article introducing the unifying paradigm of the quantum hologram as a non-local carrier of information, and investigating the interrelated phenomena of non-local communications and the electromagnetic zero-point field.
Near-Death Experiences and the Measurement of Blood Gases
Abstract: Although cerebral anoxia is not thought to be responsible for triggering near-death experiences (NDEs), the issue is not so clear in the case of hypercapnia. Detection of normal blood gases in Michael Sabom's (1982) case study seems to be the major reply to suggest that hypercapnia may have a causal role in NDEs. We argue, however, that routine arterial measures of blood gases are not a reliable indicator of cerebral levels.
Death and Dying in the Works of Two Croatian Writers
Paper elucidating the views upon death and dying expressed in the works of two Croatian writers, Dobrisa Cesaric and Miroslav Krleza. The paper concludes with a suggestion of an inquiry into the influence of the works by Cesaric and Krleza upon the ideas of modern elementary school and high school generations on death and dying.
Near-Death Experiences Precipitated by Suicide Attempt: Lack of Influence of Psychopathology, Religion, and Expectations
Article studying near-death experiences in persons who would be expected to have a high rate of both psychopathology and coming close to death, by interviewing sixty-one consecutive suicide attempters.
Psychophysiological and Cultural Correlates Undermining a Survivalist Interpretation of Near-Death Experiences
Third part of a critique of survivalist interpretations of near-death experiences (NDEs), which considers psychophysiological and cultural correlates of NDEs suggesting that such experiences are solely products of individuals' minds rather than windows into a transcendental realm.
Commentary on "Near-Death Experiences with Hallucinatory Features"
Abstract: In this response to Keith Augustine's paper, I discuss the question of the nature and causation of near-death experiences (NDEs) with hallucinatory features. The attribution of hallucinations to either a brain mechanism or a peek into the afterworld raises fundamental questions about both the epistemology and ontology of our neuroscience, and of our scientific models of an afterlife. It also raises questions about the physiological state of the brain giving rise to NDEs that arise in very different situations and are clearly unlikely to have a unitary cause. These fundamental questions can be answered only in proper prospective trials when both the brain physiology and psychological variables of the experiencer are known.
Shared Near-Death and Related Illness Experiences: Steps on an Unscheduled Journey
Article discussing the key social features in shared journeys into near-death experiences (NDEs) and related illness experiences of other people.
Glimpses of Utopia Near Death? A Rejoinder
Abstract: Five scholars have offered comments, suggestions, and criticisms of my paper "Near-Death Experiences and Pursuit of the Ideal Society." In this rejoinder, I reply to those comments and elaborate on aspects of my earlier paper. I discuss issues of methodology, epistemology, validity, logic, and other social considerations with respect to the plausibility of viewing some near-death imagery as utopian. I conclude with some reflections on the social character and study of the near-death experience.
Culture and the Near-Death Experience: Comments on Keith Augustine's "Psychophysiological and Cultural Correlates Undermining a Survivalist Interpretation of Near-Death Experiences"
Abstract: This paper is a sociological commentary on the leading paper by Keith Augustine. It discusses the relationship between social expectations and culture as well as extending the discussion about the possibility that near-death experiences may not be a singular entity. I suggest there are sound grounds for developing a typology of experiences that have different and or overlapping causes and phenomenology.
Near-Death Experiences and Self-Transformation
Article examining three successive near-death experiences (NDEs) in one individual, which suggests that such alterations of consciousness weaken ego control and foster transcendence of the ego, promoting transformation and regeneration.
Guest Editorial: A New Book of the Dead: Reflections on the Near-Death Experience and the Tibetan Buddhist Tradtion Regarding the Nature of Death
Article offering a comparison of historical cases of Tibetan near-death experiences (NDEs) and contemporary Western accounts. A tradition of NDEs in Tibetan culture, the das-log experience, affords such a comparison. Modern NDEs differ from das-log experiences in ways that reflect their cultural context and may provide the foundation for a new Book of the Dead especially fitted to the existential and planetary concerns of modern time.
A Prospective Analysis of Near-Death Experiences in Cardiac Arrest Patients
Study assessing prospectively the frequency of near-death experiences (NDEs) in patients suffering a cardiac arrest, characterizing these experiences, and assessing their impact on psychosocial and spiritual attitudes.
A Neurobiological Model for Near-Death Experiences
Article presenting a neurobiological model for near-death experiences (NDEs) in an attempt to correlate the biological and psychological domains. This model is based on temporal lobe dysfunction, hypoxia/ischemia, stress, and neuropeptide/neurotransmitter imbalance.
Near-Death Experiences and Satisfaction with Life
Article discussing the relationship between near-death experiences (NDEs) and positive changes in attitudes, beliefs, and values that might be expected to enhance the experiencers' satisfaction with life.
Near-Death Experiences Among Survivors of the 1976 Tangshan Earthquake
Abstract: We interviewed 81 survivors of the severe earthquake in Tangshan in 1976 and found that 32 (40 percent) reported near-death experiences (NDEs) as measured by Greyson's (1983) NDE Scale. The great majority of these NDEs were of the cognitive and transcendental types, and our observations were somewhat different from those of Greyson (1985) in the United States and of Pasricha and Stevenson (1986) in India. These differences suggest that the components, sequences, and types of NDE might differ with race, religion, psychological and cultural background, and kind of near-death event.
Teaching Near Death Experiences to Medical Students
Article discussing the inclusion of near-death experiences in medical school curriculum.
Commentary on Jansen's Paper
Abstract: Karl Jansen raises a fundamental and exciting question: Is humankind's consciousness the result of neuronal function, or are there extracerebral aspects as well? While his neurotransmitter model of near-death experiences (NDEs) is well described, I find his supporting evidence weak. Methodological differences between studies of ketamine hallucinations and near-death experiences (NDEs) raise doubts about how similar those experiences are phenomenologically. While Jansen's model has electrifying implications, the data required to support his conclusions do not yet exist.
Guest Editorial: The Significance of Light in the Near-Death Experience
Abstract: Light has long been recognized a s a principal characteristic of the near-death experience (NDE). However, its significance has been widely debated. This paper details the significance of light in the NDE, and it further suggests that science supports the contention that the light of the NDE represents the presence of a loving and concerned Creator. I cite well-established and celebrated physics experiments to support the argument that light exhibits supernatural - even conscious qualities. The relationship of light to the NDE, quantum physics, and descriptions of God throughout the world's literature serve to illuminate the argument that God and the light may well be one and the same
The Near Death Experience as a Product of Isolated Subcortical Brain Function
Article attempting to show that the sequence of a typical near-death experience (NDE) is predictable and reproducible, enough to suggest that the NDE is a symptom of a specific altered mental state seen in a large number of medical and surgical conditions.
Helping at the Edges of Life: Perspectives of a Psychedelic Therapist
Article presenting a case history of a 70 year old man treated with psychedelic psychotherapy for depression, anxiety, and pain associated with terminal cancer. Interpersonal and intrapersonal aspects of treatment following a single 90 mg dose of dipropyltryptamine (DPT) are described. Comparisons are made between transpersonal, mystical, and religious elements in psychedelic drug experiences and near-death experiences.
From Fear to Love in Gay and Lesbian Near-Death Experiences and the Coming Out Process
Abstract: This article illustrates the changes in thought and feeling states within gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender near-death experiences, and implications for the coming out process for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered experiencers.
The Omega Project: An Empirical Study of the NDE-Prone Personality
Article discussing a questionnaire given to near-death experiencers (NDErs) and persons interested in NDEs, assessing the role of psychological factors in influencing susceptibility to NDEs and to measure aftereffects stemming from such events.
Commentary on Keith Augustine's Article
Abstract: This commentary responds to Keith Augustine's article on the hallucinatory nature of near-death experiences (NDEs). It draws attention to his misreading of an important point made in my book Religion, Spirituality and the Near-Death Experience (Fox, 2003) regarding claims made by some NDErs to have traveled into outer space, reinforces the need for a thorough consideration of the epistemological complexities involved in asserting or denying a "common core" to NDEs, and ends by supporting the point made by Augustine that there is a pressing need for more crosscultural studies of the "core" phenomenon itself.
The Life Changes Inventory - Revised
Article presenting the Life Changes Inventory-Revised, a standardized version of the scale that embodies the accumulated knowledge culled from previous drafts of the LCI administered to disparate samples and from qualitative research into attitudinal changes reported by near-death experiencers.
Guest Editorial: Avoiding the Columbus Confusion: An Ockhamish View of Near-Death Research
Article exploring the theory that contemporary belief that near-death experiences (NDEs) are glimpses of an afterlife may prevent us from realizing their more profound nature. Belief in an afterlife has not historically brought humanity a high quality of life, but NDEs seem reliably to do so, and may offer important clues about why the expanded vitality, the "eternity-consciousness," of the mystics is commonly blocked.
The Phenomenology of Near-Death Consciousness in Past-Life Regression Therapy: A Pilot Study
Article reporting the results of a pilot study exploring similarities between the phenomenology of post-death awareness reported by regressed subjects and the phenomenology of near-death experiences (NDE), as far as the therapeutic modality normally accommodates post-death phenomena. Similarities and differences between NDEs and post-death regression phenomena suggest new avenues of research.
Commentary on "Does Paranormal Perception Occur in Near-Death Experiences?" [#2]
Abstract: Keith Augustine raises questions regarding Pam Reynolds's near-death experience (NDE) while undergoing cerebral aneurysm surgery using the hypothermic cardiac arrest ("standstill") procedure. I specifically address questions regarding anesthesia and brainstem auditory evoked response procedures; and the relation of Reynolds's NDE to "standstill" and life after death.
"Does Paranormal Perception Occur in Near-Death Experiences?" Defended
Article responding to criticisms of another article concerning paranormal perception in near-death experiences.
Commentary on "Does Paranormal Perception Occur in Near-Death Experiences?" [#1]
Editor's abstract and note: In this commentary, Charles Tart critiques Keith Augustine's deconstruction of Pam Reynolds's near-death experience (NDE) while undergoing cerebral aneurysm surgery using the hypothermic cardiac arrest ("standstill") procedure. However, after drafting this initial response to Augustine's paper, family medical problems prevented Tart from researching and polishing his comments as thoroughly as he would have wished. He has approved our publication of this commentary but regrets taht it is not up to his usual standard.
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