Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | J Allison |
Publication | The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease |
Volume | 145 |
Issue | 6 |
Pages | 452-463 |
Date | Dec 1967 |
Journal Abbr | J. Nerv. Ment. Dis |
ISSN | 0022-3018 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/6082138 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 17:50:01 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 6082138 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Geena K Athappilly |
Author | Bruce Greyson |
Author | Ian Stevenson |
Abstract | Transcendental near-death experiences show some cross-cultural variation that suggests they may be influenced by societal beliefs. The prevailing Western model of near-death experiences was defined by Moody's description of the phenomenon in 1975. To explore the influence of this cultural model, we compared near-death experience accounts collected before and after 1975. We compared the frequency of 15 phenomenological features Moody defined as characteristic of near-death experiences in 24 accounts collected before 1975 and in 24 more recent accounts matched on relevant demographic and situational variables. Near-death experience accounts collected after 1975 differed from those collected earlier only in increased frequency of tunnel phenomena, which other research has suggested may not be integral to the experience, and not in any of the remaining 14 features defined by Moody as characteristic of near-death experiences. These data challenge the hypothesis that near-death experience accounts are substantially influenced by prevailing cultural models. |
Publication | The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease |
Volume | 194 |
Issue | 3 |
Pages | 218-222 |
Date | Mar 2006 |
Journal Abbr | J. Nerv. Ment. Dis |
DOI | 10.1097/01.nmd.0000202513.65079.1e |
ISSN | 0022-3018 |
Short Title | Do prevailing societal models influence reports of near-death experiences? |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/16534440 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 15:33:48 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 16534440 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Transcendental near-death experiences show some cross-cultural variation that suggests they may be influenced by societal beliefs. The prevailing Western model of near-death experiences was defined by Moody’s description of the phenomenon in 1975. To explore the influence of this cultural model, we compared near-death experience accounts collected before and after 1975. We compared the frequency of 15 phenomenological features Moody defined as characteristic of near-death experiences in 24 accounts collected before 1975 and in 24 more recent accounts matched on relevant demographic and situational variables. Near-death experience accounts collected after 1975 differed from those collected earlier only in increased frequency of tunnel phenomena, which other research has suggested may not be integral to the experience, and not in any of the remaining 14 features defined by Moody as characteristic of near-death experiences. These data challenge the hypothesis that near-death experience accounts are substantially influenced by prevailing cultural models.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | John Belanti |
Author | Mahendra Perera |
Author | Karuppiah Jagadheesan |
Abstract | Near-death experiences (NDEs) include a set of subjective experiences encountered by people who were close to death or were faced with life-threatening situations. Reports have suggested that the phenomenology of NDE might differ across cultures. This article is aimed at providing an updated phenomenological perspective by comparing NDEs in a cross-cultural context. We compared the various descriptions of NDEs from a phenomenological perspective. There were similarities between particular cultures, which differed from typical western European experiences. This article concludes that although there are common themes, there are also reported differences in NDEs. The variability across cultures is most likely to be due to our interpretation and verbalizing of such esoteric events through the filters of language, cultural experiences, religion, education and their influence on our belief systems either shedding influence as an individual variable or more often perhaps by their rich interplay between these factors. |
Publication | Transcultural Psychiatry |
Volume | 45 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 121-133 |
Date | Mar 2008 |
Journal Abbr | Transcult Psychiatry |
DOI | 10.1177/1363461507088001 |
ISSN | 1363-4615 |
Short Title | Phenomenology of near-death experiences |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/18344255 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 15:28:54 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 18344255 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Near-death experiences (NDEs) include a set of subjective experiences encountered by people who were close to death or were faced with life-threatening situations. Reports have suggested that the phenomenology of NDE might differ across cultures. This article is aimed at providing an updated phenomenological perspective by comparing NDEs in a cross-cultural context. We compared the various descriptions of NDEs from a phenomenological perspective. There were similarities between particular cultures, which differed from typical western European experiences. This article concludes that although there are common themes, there are also reported differences in NDEs. The variability across cultures is most likely to be due to our interpretation and verbalizing of such esoteric events through the filters of language, cultural experiences, religion, education and their influence on our belief systems either shedding influence as an individual variable or more often perhaps by their rich interplay between these factors.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | S J Blackmore |
Abstract | Reactions to claims of near-death experiences (NDE) range from the popular view that this must be evidence for life after death, to outright rejection of the experiences as, at best, drug induced hallucinations or, at worse, pure invention. Twenty years, and much research, later, it is clear that neither extreme is correct. |
Publication | Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine |
Volume | 89 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 73-76 |
Date | Feb 1996 |
Journal Abbr | J R Soc Med |
ISSN | 0141-0768 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/8683504 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 16:02:38 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 8683504 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Reactions to claims of near-death experiences (NDE) range from the popular view that this must be evidence for life after death, to outright rejection of the experiences as, at best, drug induced hallucinations or, at worse, pure invention. Twenty years, and much research, later, it is clear that neither extreme is correct.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Willoughby B. Britton |
Author | Richard R. Bootzin |
Abstract | Many studies in humans suggest that altered temporal lobe functioning, especially functioning in the right temporal lobe, is involved in mystical and religious experiences. We investigated temporal lobe functioning in individuals who reported having transcendental "near-death experiences" during life-threatening events. These individuals were found to have more temporal lobe epileptiform electroencephalographic activity than control subjects and also reported significantly more temporal lobe epileptic symptoms. Contrary to predictions, epileptiform activity was nearly completely lateralized to the left hemisphere. The near-death experience was not associated with dysfunctional stress reactions such as dissociation, posttraumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse, but rather was associated with positive coping styles. Additional analyses revealed that near-death experiencers had altered sleep patterns, specifically, a shorter duration of sleep and delayed REM sleep relative to the control group. These results suggest that altered temporal lobe functioning may be involved in the near-death experience and that individuals who have had such experiences are physiologically distinct from the general population. |
Publication | Psychological Science |
Volume | 15 |
Issue | 4 |
Pages | 254-258 |
Date | 04/2004 |
Journal Abbr | Psychological Science |
DOI | 10.1111/j.0956-7976.2004.00661.x |
ISSN | 0956-7976 |
URL | http://www3.interscience.wiley.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/cgi-bin/fulltext/120705572/main.html,ftx_abs |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 15:40:05 2009 |
Library Catalog | CrossRef |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Many studies in humans suggest that altered temporal lobe functioning, especially functioning in the right temporal lobe, is involved in mystical and religious experiences. We investigated temporal lobe functioning in individuals who reported having transcendental “near-death experiences” during life-threatening events. These individuals were found to have more temporal lobe epileptiform electroencephalographic activity than control subjects and also reported significantly more temporal lobe epileptic symptoms. Contrary to predictions, epileptiform activity was nearly completely lateralized to the left hemisphere. The near-death experience was not associated with dysfunctional stress reactions such as dissociation, posttraumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse, but rather was associated with positive coping styles. Additional analyses revealed that near-death experiencers had altered sleep patterns, specifically, a shorter duration of sleep and delayed REM sleep relative to the control group. These results suggest that altered temporal lobe functioning may be involved in the near-death experience and that individuals who have had such experiences are physiologically distinct from the general population.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | L Bucher |
Author | F B Wimbush |
Author | T Hardie |
Author | E R Hayes |
Abstract | A patient is successfully resuscitated after a trauma or serious illness. It is increasingly common for such a patient to report having experienced a feeling of calm and peace, a feeling of being separated from the body, and/or a sense of moving through a dark tunnel ending at a bright light. Such experiences are known as near death experiences. What are critical care nurses to make of such accounts reported to them by their patients? This article explores critical care nurses' interests in, knowledge of, and attitudes towards the near death experience, and it identifies nursing interventions that critical care nurses can use during and after the patient experiences near death. |
Publication | Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing: DCCN |
Volume | 16 |
Issue | 4 |
Pages | 194-201 |
Date | 1997 Jul-Aug |
Journal Abbr | Dimens Crit Care Nurs |
ISSN | 0730-4625 |
Short Title | Near death experiences |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/9248378 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 16:00:20 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 9248378 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
A patient is successfully resuscitated after a trauma or serious illness. It is increasingly common for such a patient to report having experienced a feeling of calm and peace, a feeling of being separated from the body, and/or a sense of moving through a dark tunnel ending at a bright light. Such experiences are known as near death experiences. What are critical care nurses to make of such accounts reported to them by their patients? This article explores critical care nurses’ interests in, knowledge of, and attitudes towards the near death experience, and it identifies nursing interventions that critical care nurses can use during and after the patient experiences near death.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | D K Corcoran |
Publication | Nursing |
Volume | 18 |
Issue | 11 |
Pages | 34-39 |
Date | Nov 1988 |
Journal Abbr | Nursing |
ISSN | 0360-4039 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/3211414 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 16:21:32 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 3211414 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Angela M Ethier |
Abstract | A death-related sensory experience (DRSE) is a spiritually transforming experience occurring with the appearance of a messenger beyond the visible observable universe to guide a dying person through the dying process. DRSEs have been reported to occur among those who are dying, most commonly individuals with terminal illness. Known dead family members are most commonly seen, followed by religious beings. Communication takes place between the dying individual and the apparition. Feelings of peace and comfort are reported by the majority of individuals experiencing DRSEs. DRSEs can occur over a period of hours to months before death. They have been referred to as veridical hallucinations, visions of the dying, deathbed visions, and predeath visions. Reported throughout time, among people of all cultures, religions, races, ages, genders, socioeconomic status, and educational levels, DRSEs are intense spiritual experiences. Validating a child's DRSE provides a way to start a dialogue regarding death. Research is needed to more fully understand DRSEs from the perspective of the dying child. |
Publication | Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing: Official Journal of the Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses |
Volume | 22 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 104-111 |
Date | 2005 Mar-Apr |
Journal Abbr | J Pediatr Oncol Nurs |
DOI | 10.1177/1043454204273735 |
ISSN | 1043-4542 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/15695352 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 17:31:21 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 15695352 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
A death-related sensory experience (DRSE) is a spiritually transforming experience occurring with the appearance of a messenger beyond the visible observable universe to guide a dying person through the dying process. DRSEs have been reported to occur among those who are dying, most commonly individuals with terminal illness. Known dead family members are most commonly seen, followed by religious beings. Communication takes place between the dying individual and the apparition. Feelings of peace and comfort are reported by the majority of individuals experiencing DRSEs. DRSEs can occur over a period of hours to months before death. They have been referred to as veridical hallucinations, visions of the dying, deathbed visions, and predeath visions. Reported throughout time, among people of all cultures, religions, races, ages, genders, socioeconomic status, and educational levels, DRSEs are intense spiritual experiences. Validating a child’s DRSE provides a way to start a dialogue regarding death. Research is needed to more fully understand DRSEs from the perspective of the dying child.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Peter Fenwick |
Author | Sue Brayne |
Abstract | A recent study shows that the greatest fear for many Britons is to die alone. More than half the complaints received by the UK National Health Service (NHS) concern end-of-life care, with an emphasis on spiritual matters. Much has been written on the spiritual needs of the dying, but many doctors and nurses still find this a difficult area to approach. They lack the confidence and/or training to recognize or discuss spiritual aspects of death and dying or to affirm the spiritual needs of the dying person. Our end-of-life experience (ELE) research suggests that deathbed visions (DVs) and deathbed coincidences (DCs) are not uncommon, and that the dying process appears to involve an instinctive need for spiritual connection and meaning, requiring compassionate understanding and respect from those who provide end-of-life care. |
Publication | The American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Care |
Volume | 28 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 7-15 |
Date | Feb 2011 |
Journal Abbr | Am J Hosp Palliat Care |
DOI | 10.1177/1049909110374301 |
ISSN | 1938-2715 |
Short Title | End-of-life experiences |
Accessed | Tue Mar 15 14:21:38 2011 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 20801918 |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 08:57:14 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 08:57:14 2011 |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Christopher C French |
Abstract | Near-death experiences (NDEs) have become the focus of much interest in the last 30 years or so. Such experiences can occur both when individuals are objectively near to death and also when they simply believe themselves to be. The experience typically involves a number of different components including a feeling of peace and well-being, out-of-body experiences (OBEs), entering a region of darkness, seeing a brilliant light, and entering another realm. NDEs are known to have long-lasting transformational effects upon those who experience them. An overview is presented of the various theoretical approaches that have been adopted in attempts to account for the NDE. Spiritual theories assume that consciousness can become detached from the neural substrate of the brain and that the NDE may provide a glimpse of an afterlife. Psychological theories include the proposal that the NDE is a dissociative defense mechanism that occurs in times of extreme danger or, less plausibly, that the NDE reflects memories of being born. Finally, a wide range of organic theories of the NDE has been put forward including those based upon cerebral hypoxia, anoxia, and hypercarbia; endorphins and other neurotransmitters; and abnormal activity in the temporal lobes. Finally, the results of studies of NDEs in cardiac arrest survivors are reviewed and the implications of these results for our understanding of mind-brain relationships are discussed. |
Publication | Progress in Brain Research |
Volume | 150 |
Pages | 351-367 |
Date | 2005 |
Journal Abbr | Prog. Brain Res |
DOI | 10.1016/S0079-6123(05)50025-6 |
ISSN | 0079-6123 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/16186035 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 15:34:58 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 16186035 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Near-death experiences (NDEs) have become the focus of much interest in the last 30 years or so. Such experiences can occur both when individuals are objectively near to death and also when they simply believe themselves to be. The experience typically involves a number of different components including a feeling of peace and well-being, out-of-body experiences (OBEs), entering a region of darkness, seeing a brilliant light, and entering another realm. NDEs are known to have long-lasting transformational effects upon those who experience them. An overview is presented of the various theoretical approaches that have been adopted in attempts to account for the NDE. Spiritual theories assume that consciousness can become detached from the neural substrate of the brain and that the NDE may provide a glimpse of an afterlife. Psychological theories include the proposal that the NDE is a dissociative defense mechanism that occurs in times of extreme danger or, less plausibly, that the NDE reflects memories of being born. Finally, a wide range of organic theories of the NDE has been put forward including those based upon cerebral hypoxia, anoxia, and hypercarbia; endorphins and other neurotransmitters; and abnormal activity in the temporal lobes. Finally, the results of studies of NDEs in cardiac arrest survivors are reviewed and the implications of these results for our understanding of mind-brain relationships are discussed.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Bruce Greyson |
Abstract | Some persons who claim to have had near-death experiences (NDEs) fail research criteria for having had NDEs ("false positives"); others who deny having had NDEs do meet research criteria for having had NDEs ("false negatives"). The author evaluated false positive claims and false negative denials in an organization that promotes near-death research and in psychiatric outpatients. The frequency of false positives and negatives varied in samples that differed in prevalence of, and knowledge about, NDEs. The influence of participants' knowledge about NDEs on the findings of near-death research makes it critically important to use standardized criteria for identifying NDEs. |
Publication | Death Studies |
Volume | 29 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 145-155 |
Date | 2005 Feb-Mar |
Journal Abbr | Death Stud |
ISSN | 0748-1187 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/15822242 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 15:37:39 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 15822242 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Some persons who claim to have had near-death experiences (NDEs) fail research criteria for having had NDEs (“false positives”); others who deny having had NDEs do meet research criteria for having had NDEs (“false negatives”). The author evaluated false positive claims and false negative denials in an organization that promotes near-death research and in psychiatric outpatients. The frequency of false positives and negatives varied in samples that differed in prevalence of, and knowledge about, NDEs. The influence of participants’ knowledge about NDEs on the findings of near-death research makes it critically important to use standardized criteria for identifying NDEs.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | B Greyson |
Abstract | BACKGROUND: Some people who come close to death report having experiences in which they transcend the boundaries of the ego and the confines of time and space. Such near-death experiences (NDEs) share some features with the phenomenon of dissociation, in which a person's self identity becomes detached from bodily sensation. This study explored the frequency of dissociative symptoms in people who had come close to death. METHODS: 96 individuals who had had self-reported NDEs, and 38 individuals who had come close to death but who had not had NDEs completed a mailed questionnaire that included a measure of "depth" of near-death experience (the NDE scale) and a measure of dissociative symptoms (the Dissociative Experiences Scale). Median scores in the two groups were compared with Mann-Whitney U tests. The association between depth of NDE and dissociative symptoms was tested by Spearman's rank-order correlation between scores on the NDE scale and the dissociative experiences scale. FINDINGS: People who reported NDEs also reported significantly more dissociative symptoms than did the comparison group. Among those who reported NDEs, the depth of the experience was positively correlated with dissociative symptoms, although the level of symptoms was substantially lower than that of patients with pathological dissociative disorders. INTERPRETATION: The pattern of dissociative symptoms reported by people who have had NDEs is consistent with a non-pathological dissociative response to stress, and not with a psychiatric disorder. A greater understanding of the mechanism of dissociation may shed further light on near-death and other mystical or transcendental experiences. |
Publication | Lancet |
Volume | 355 |
Issue | 9202 |
Pages | 460-463 |
Date | Feb 5, 2000 |
Journal Abbr | Lancet |
DOI | 10.1016/S0140-6736(00)82013-9 |
ISSN | 0140-6736 |
Short Title | Dissociation in people who have near-death experiences |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/10841127 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 15:57:02 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 10841127 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Background: Some people who come close to death report having experiences in which they transcend the boundaries of the ego and the confines of time and space. Such near-death experiences (NDEs) share some features with the phenomenon of dissociation, in which a person’s self identity becomes detached from bodily sensation. This study explored the frequency of dissociative symptoms in people who had come close to death. Methods: 96 individuals who had had self-reported NDEs, and 38 individuals who had come close to death but who had not had NDEs completed a mailed questionnaire that included a measure of “depth” of near-death experience (the NDE scale) and a measure of dissociative symptoms (the Dissociative Experiences Scale). Median scores in the two groups were compared with Mann-Whitney U tests. The association between depth of NDE and dissociative symptoms was tested by Spearman’s rank-order correlation between scores on the NDE scale and the dissociative experiences scale. Findings: People who reported NDEs also reported significantly more dissociative symptoms than did the comparison group. Among those who reported NDEs, the depth of the experience was positively correlated with dissociative symptoms, although the level of symptoms was substantially lower than that of patients with pathological dissociative disorders. INTERPRETATION: The pattern of dissociative symptoms reported by people who have had NDEs is consistent with a non-pathological dissociative response to stress, and not with a psychiatric disorder. A greater understanding of the mechanism of dissociation may shed further light on near-death and other mystical or transcendental experiences.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | B Greyson |
Publication | Perspectives in Biology and Medicine |
Volume | 42 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 14-32 |
Date | 1998 |
Journal Abbr | Perspect. Biol. Med |
ISSN | 0031-5982 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/9894355 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 15:59:40 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 9894355 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Bruce Greyson |
Abstract | Near-death experiences, or mystical experiences during encounters with death, are reported to have beneficial effects despite their phenomenologic similarity to pathological states. This study explored the prevalence of near-death experiences and associated psychological distress by using a cross-sectional survey of 832 psychiatric outpatients. Standardized measures of near-death experiences and psychological distress were administered via questionnaire at clinic intake. A total of 272 patients (33 percent) reported encounters with death, and these patients were found to have greater psychological distress than other patients. Sixty-one of the patients who had been close to death (22 percent) reported having near-death experiences, and these patients were found to have less psychological distress than patients who did not have near-death experiences after brushes with death. |
Publication | Psychiatric Services |
Volume | 54 |
Issue | 12 |
Pages | 1649-1651 |
Date | December 1, 2003 |
DOI | 10.1176/appi.ps.54.12.1649 |
URL | http://ps.psychiatryonline.org.ezproxy.bu.edu/cgi/content/abstract/54/12/1649 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 15:44:45 2009 |
Library Catalog | HighWire |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Near-death experiences, or mystical experiences during encounters with death, are reported to have beneficial effects despite their phenomenologic similarity to pathological states. This study explored the prevalence of near-death experiences and associated psychological distress by using a cross-sectional survey of 832 psychiatric outpatients. Standardized measures of near-death experiences and psychological distress were administered via questionnaire at clinic intake. A total of 272 patients (33 percent) reported encounters with death, and these patients were found to have greater psychological distress than other patients. Sixty-one of the patients who had been close to death (22 percent) reported having near-death experiences, and these patients were found to have less psychological distress than patients who did not have near-death experiences after brushes with death.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Bruce Greyson |
Publication | Resuscitation |
Volume | 73 |
Issue | 3 |
Pages | 407-411 |
Date | 06/2007 |
Journal Abbr | Resuscitation |
DOI | 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2006.10.013 |
ISSN | 03009572 |
Short Title | Consistency of near-death experience accounts over two decades |
URL | http://www.resuscitationjournal.com/article/S0300-9572(06)00669-1/abstract |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 15:32:40 2009 |
Library Catalog | CrossRef |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | B Greyson |
Abstract | Near-death experiences (NDEs) often produce profound changes in attitudes and behavior that can lead to psychosocial and psychospiritual problems. The diagnostic label of religious or spiritual problem, included in DSM-IV under the category of other conditions that may be a focus of clinical attention, was originally proposed to encompass NDEs and their aftereffects. Four cases are discussed in which patients presented with NDE-related problems, and differential diagnosis and current treatment strategies are reviewed. The inclusion of this new diagnostic category in the DSM-IV permits differentiation of NDEs and similar experiences from mental disorders and may lead to research into more effective treatment strategies. |
Publication | The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease |
Volume | 185 |
Issue | 5 |
Pages | 327-334 |
Date | May 1997 |
Journal Abbr | J. Nerv. Ment. Dis |
ISSN | 0022-3018 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/9171810 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 16:01:43 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 9171810 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Near-death experiences (NDEs) often produce profound changes in attitudes and behavior that can lead to psychosocial and psychospiritual problems. The diagnostic label of religious or spiritual problem, included in DSM-IV under the category of other conditions that may be a focus of clinical attention, was originally proposed to encompass NDEs and their aftereffects. Four cases are discussed in which patients presented with NDE-related problems, and differential diagnosis and current treatment strategies are reviewed. The inclusion of this new diagnostic category in the DSM-IV permits differentiation of NDEs and similar experiences from mental disorders and may lead to research into more effective treatment strategies.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | B Greyson |
Abstract | Near-death experiences are profound subjective events frequently reported by individuals who have come close to death. They are of importance to mental health professionals, not only because they often happen to patients under our care, but because they have been reported to produce widespread and long-lasting changes in values, beliefs, and behavior that dramatically affect the experiencers' attitudes toward living and dying (Bates and Stanley 1985; Bauer 1985; Flynn 1982; Greyson 1983b; Noyes 1980; Ring 1984). Several studies, including surveys of recently resuscitated hospitalized patients (Ring 1980; Sabom 1982) and a nationwide poll of the general population (Gallup and Proctor 1982) have estimated that near-death experiences are reported by 30%-40% of individuals who come close to death, or about 5% of the adult American population. |
Publication | Psychiatry |
Volume | 56 |
Issue | 4 |
Pages | 390-399 |
Date | Nov 1993 |
Journal Abbr | Psychiatry |
ISSN | 0033-2747 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/8295976 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 16:13:29 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 8295976 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Near-death experiences are profound subjective events frequently reported by individuals who have come close to death. They are of importance to mental health professionals, not only because they often happen to patients under our care, but because they have been reported to produce widespread and long-lasting changes in values, beliefs, and behavior that dramatically affect the experiencers’ attitudes toward living and dying (Bates and Stanley 1985; Bauer 1985; Flynn 1982; Greyson 1983b; Noyes 1980; Ring 1984). Several studies, including surveys of recently resuscitated hospitalized patients (Ring 1980; Sabom 1982) and a nationwide poll of the general population (Gallup and Proctor 1982) have estimated that near-death experiences are reported by 30%-40% of individuals who come close to death, or about 5% of the adult American population.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Bruce Greyson |
Abstract | Near-death experiences, unusual experiences during a close brush with death, may precipitate pervasive attitudinal and behavior changes. The incidence and psychological correlates of such experiences, and their association with proximity to death, are unclear. We conducted a 30-month survey to identify near-death experiences in a tertiary care center cardiac inpatient service. In a consecutive sample of 1595 patients admitted to the cardiac inpatient service (mean age 63 years, 61% male), of whom 7% were admitted with cardiac arrest, patients who described near-death experiences were matched with comparison patients on diagnosis, gender, and age. Near-death experiences were reported by 10% of patients with cardiac arrest and 1% of other cardiac patients (P<.001). Near-death experiencers were younger than other patients (P=.001), were more likely to have lost consciousness (P<.001) and to report prior purportedly paranormal experiences (P=.009), and had greater approach-oriented death acceptance (P=.01). Near-death experiencers and comparison patients did not differ in sociodemographic variables, social support, quality of life, acceptance of their illness, cognitive function, capacity for physical activities, degree of cardiac dysfunction, objective proximity to death, or coronary prognosis. |
Publication | General Hospital Psychiatry |
Volume | 25 |
Issue | 4 |
Pages | 269-276 |
Date | 2003 Jul-Aug |
Journal Abbr | Gen Hosp Psychiatry |
DOI | 10.1016/S0163-8343(03)00042-2 |
ISSN | 0163-8343 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/12850659 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 15:45:31 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 12850659 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Near-death experiences, unusual experiences during a close brush with death, may precipitate pervasive attitudinal and behavior changes. The incidence and psychological correlates of such experiences, and their association with proximity to death, are unclear. We conducted a 30-month survey to identify near-death experiences in a tertiary care center cardiac inpatient service. In a consecutive sample of 1595 patients admitted to the cardiac inpatient service (mean age 63 years, 61% male), of whom 7% were admitted with cardiac arrest, patients who described near-death experiences were matched with comparison patients on diagnosis, gender, and age. Near-death experiences were reported by 10% of patients with cardiac arrest and 1% of other cardiac patients (P<.001). Near-death experiencers were younger than other patients (P=.001), were more likely to have lost consciousness (P<.001) and to report prior purportedly paranormal experiences (P=.009), and had greater approach-oriented death acceptance (P=.01). Near-death experiencers and comparison patients did not differ in sociodemographic variables, social support, quality of life, acceptance of their illness, cognitive function, capacity for physical activities, degree of cardiac dysfunction, objective proximity to death, or coronary prognosis.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | B Greyson |
Abstract | Persons who report "near-death experiences" (NDEs) acknowledge more intrusive symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than those who came close to death without NDEs, but not more avoidance symptoms, suggesting a nonspecific stress response. Although dissociation generally increases vulnerability to PTSD, the positive affect that distinguishes NDEs from other dissociative experiences may mitigate subsequent PTSD symptoms. |
Publication | The American Journal of Orthopsychiatry |
Volume | 71 |
Issue | 3 |
Pages | 368-373 |
Date | Jul 2001 |
Journal Abbr | Am J Orthopsychiatry |
ISSN | 0002-9432 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/11495339 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 15:54:13 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 11495339 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Persons who report “near-death experiences” (NDEs) acknowledge more intrusive symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than those who came close to death without NDEs, but not more avoidance symptoms, suggesting a nonspecific stress response. Although dissociation generally increases vulnerability to PTSD, the positive affect that distinguishes NDEs from other dissociative experiences may mitigate subsequent PTSD symptoms.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | B Greyson |
Author | N E Bush |
Abstract | Most reported near-death experiences include profound feelings of peace, joy, and cosmic unity. Less familiar are the reports following close brushes with death of experiences that are partially or entirely unpleasant, frightening, or frankly hellish. While little is known about the antecedents or aftereffects of these distressing experiences, there appear to be three distinct types, involving (1) phenomenology similar to peaceful near-death experiences but interpreted as unpleasant, (2) a sense of nonexistence or eternal void, or (3) graphic hellish landscapes and entities. While the first type may eventually convert to a typical peaceful experience, the relationship of all three types to prototypical near-death experiences merits further study. The effect of the distressing experience in the lives of individuals deserves exploration, as the psychological impact may be profound and long-lasting. |
Publication | Psychiatry |
Volume | 55 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 95-110 |
Date | Feb 1992 |
Journal Abbr | Psychiatry |
ISSN | 0033-2747 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/1557473 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 16:18:17 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 1557473 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Most reported near-death experiences include profound feelings of peace, joy, and cosmic unity. Less familiar are the reports following close brushes with death of experiences that are partially or entirely unpleasant, frightening, or frankly hellish. While little is known about the antecedents or aftereffects of these distressing experiences, there appear to be three distinct types, involving (1) phenomenology similar to peaceful near-death experiences but interpreted as unpleasant, (2) a sense of nonexistence or eternal void, or (3) graphic hellish landscapes and entities. While the first type may eventually convert to a typical peaceful experience, the relationship of all three types to prototypical near-death experiences merits further study. The effect of the distressing experience in the lives of individuals deserves exploration, as the psychological impact may be profound and long-lasting.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | J M Holden |
Author | F MacHovec |
Abstract | A substantial number of people facing physical and/or psychological crisis report having a near-death experience (NDE) involving a subjectively real experience of an alternate reality. Where NDE content is associated with positive emotions, benefit might be gained by hypnotic recall of the NDE, yet such recall might involve possible risk in the form of reactivation of the original crisis. In this article we describe a study involving hypnotic recall of positive NDEs by one male and five female subjects. We describe in detail some procedures to minimize risk, including a hypnosis protocol. |
Publication | The American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis |
Volume | 36 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 38-46 |
Date | Jul 1993 |
Journal Abbr | Am J Clin Hypn |
ISSN | 0002-9157 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/8368195 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 16:14:13 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 8368195 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
A substantial number of people facing physical and/or psychological crisis report having a near-death experience (NDE) involving a subjectively real experience of an alternate reality. Where NDE content is associated with positive emotions, benefit might be gained by hypnotic recall of the NDE, yet such recall might involve possible risk in the form of reactivation of the original crisis. In this article we describe a study involving hypnotic recall of positive NDEs by one male and five female subjects. We describe in detail some procedures to minimize risk, including a hypnosis protocol.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | A Kellehear |
Abstract | Near-death experiences are identity transitions with many of the major social features of status passage as these were originally formulated by Glaser and Strauss (Status Passage, Routledge & Kegan Paul, London 1971). These features are described and then compared with the similar experience of being a castaway after shipwreck. In this way, the clinical near-death experience can be analysed as one of a number of social near-death experiences. Viewed as status passage many of the psychological reactions can be usefully seen as context dependent processes rather than simply defence mechanisms or products of neurophysiology. |
Publication | Social Science & Medicine (1982) |
Volume | 31 |
Issue | 8 |
Pages | 933-939 |
Date | 1990 |
Journal Abbr | Soc Sci Med |
ISSN | 0277-9536 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/2259966 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 16:19:43 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 2259966 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Near-death experiences are identity transitions with many of the major social features of status passage as these were originally formulated by Glaser and Strauss (Status Passage, Routledge & Kegan Paul, London 1971). These features are described and then compared with the similar experience of being a castaway after shipwreck. In this way, the clinical near-death experience can be analysed as one of a number of social near-death experiences. Viewed as status passage many of the psychological reactions can be usefully seen as context dependent processes rather than simply defence mechanisms or products of neurophysiology.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | A Kellehear |
Abstract | Life review and tunnel sensation in near-death experiences appear to be culture-bound phenomena, confined largely to societies where historic religions are dominant. The clinical literature postulating biological theories for life review and tunnel sensations, therefore, may have been developed somewhat prematurely. The present review argues that social and historical explanations are more persuasive in the context of the available evidence presented here. |
Publication | The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease |
Volume | 181 |
Issue | 3 |
Pages | 148-156 |
Date | Mar 1993 |
Journal Abbr | J. Nerv. Ment. Dis |
ISSN | 0022-3018 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/8445373 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 16:16:15 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 8445373 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Life review and tunnel sensation in near-death experiences appear to be culture-bound phenomena, confined largely to societies where historic religions are dominant. The clinical literature postulating biological theories for life review and tunnel sensations, therefore, may have been developed somewhat prematurely. The present review argues that social and historical explanations are more persuasive in the context of the available evidence presented here.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | E W Kelly |
Abstract | Few scientists have taken seriously the interpretation of near-death experiences (NDEs) as evidence for survival after death, even though most people having such an experience have become convinced that they will survive death and several features of NDEs are at least suggestive of survival. This article compares survival and some nonsurvival interpretations of NDEs in light of one feature suggestive of survival, that of reports of having seen deceased persons during the NDE. Several features of 74 NDEs involving such reports were compared with those of 200 NDEs not involving such reports. Although some of the findings could support either a survival or a nonsurvival interpretation, several other findings may weaken the primary nonsurvival hypothesis, that of expectation. Additionally, the convergence of several features suggesting survival and the convergence of features that require multiple kinds of alternative explanations, in individual cases as well as in large groups of cases, warrant our considering the survival hypothesis of NDEs more seriously than most scientists currently do. |
Publication | Death Studies |
Volume | 25 |
Issue | 3 |
Pages | 229-249 |
Date | 2001 Apr-May |
Journal Abbr | Death Stud |
ISSN | 0748-1187 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/11785541 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 15:51:06 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 11785541 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Rense Lange |
Author | Bruce Greyson |
Author | James Houran |
Abstract | For those with true near-death experiences (NDEs), Greyson's (1983, 1990) NDE Scale satisfactorily fits the Rasch rating scale model, thus yielding a unidimensional measure with interval-level scaling properties. With increasing intensity, NDEs reflect peace, joy and harmony, followed by insight and mystical or religious experiences, while the most intense NDEs involve an awareness of things occurring in a different place or time. The semantics of this variable are invariant across True-NDErs' gender, current age, age at time of NDE, and latency and intensity of the NDE, thus identifying NDEs as 'core' experiences whose meaning is unaffected by external variables, regardless of variations in NDEs' intensity. Significant qualitative and quantitative differences were observed between True-NDErs and other respondent groups, mostly revolving around the differential emphasis on paranormal/mystical/religious experiences vs. standard reactions to threat. The findings further suggest that False-Positive respondents reinterpret other profound psychological states as NDEs. Accordingly, the Rasch validation of the typology proposed by Greyson (1983) also provides new insights into previous research, including the possibility of embellishment over time (as indicated by the finding of positive, as well as negative, latency effects) and the potential roles of religious affiliation and religiosity (as indicated by the qualitative differences surrounding paranormal/mystical/religious issues). |
Publication | British Journal of Psychology |
Volume | 95 |
Issue | Pt 2 |
Pages | 161-177 |
Date | May 2004 |
Journal Abbr | Br J Psychol |
DOI | 10.1348/000712604773952403 |
ISSN | 0007-1269 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/15142300 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 15:39:26 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 15142300 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
For those with true near-death experiences (NDEs), Greyson’s (1983, 1990) NDE Scale satisfactorily fits the Rasch rating scale model, thus yielding a unidimensional measure with interval-level scaling properties. With increasing intensity, NDEs reflect peace, joy and harmony, followed by insight and mystical or religious experiences, while the most intense NDEs involve an awareness of things occurring in a different place or time. The semantics of this variable are invariant across True-NDErs’ gender, current age, age at time of NDE, and latency and intensity of the NDE, thus identifying NDEs as ‘core’ experiences whose meaning is unaffected by external variables, regardless of variations in NDEs’ intensity. Significant qualitative and quantitative differences were observed between True-NDErs and other respondent groups, mostly revolving around the differential emphasis on paranormal/mystical/religious experiences vs. standard reactions to threat. The findings further suggest that False-Positive respondents reinterpret other profound psychological states as NDEs. Accordingly, the Rasch validation of the typology proposed by Greyson (1983) also provides new insights into previous research, including the possibility of embellishment over time (as indicated by the finding of positive, as well as negative, latency effects) and the potential roles of religious affiliation and religiosity (as indicated by the qualitative differences surrounding paranormal/mystical/religious issues).
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | David Lester |
Abstract | In a sample of 51 near-death experiences, the depth of the reported experience was not related to the years since the experience. |
Publication | Perceptual and Motor Skills |
Volume | 96 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 18 |
Date | Feb 2003 |
Journal Abbr | Percept Mot Skills |
ISSN | 0031-5125 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/12705503 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 15:46:28 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 12705503 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
In a sample of 51 near-death experiences, the depth of the reported experience was not related to the years since the experience.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | D Lester |
Abstract | Data from 71 near-death experiences indicated that there were four independent clusters of elements to the experience and that personal and circumstance-related variables were associated with some of these clusters. |
Publication | Psychological Reports |
Volume | 87 |
Issue | 3 Pt 1 |
Pages | 835-836 |
Date | Dec 2000 |
Journal Abbr | Psychol Rep |
ISSN | 0033-2941 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/11191398 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 15:56:33 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 11191398 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Data from 71 near-death experiences indicated that there were four independent clusters of elements to the experience and that personal and circumstance-related variables were associated with some of these clusters.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Shuei-Liong Lin |
Author | Chee-Jen Chang |
Author | Pei-Yuan Chen |
Author | Kwan-Dun Wu |
Author | Tun-Jun Tsai |
Author | Wang-Yu Chen |
Author | Chun-Fu Lai |
Author | Tze-Wah Kao |
Author | Ming-Shiou Wu |
Author | Shou-Shang Chiang |
Author | Chung-Hsin Chang |
Author | Chia-Sheng Lu |
Author | Chwei-Shiun Yang |
Author | Chih-Ching Yang |
Author | Hong-Wei Chang |
Abstract | BACKGROUND: People who have come close to death may report an unusual experience known as a near-death experience (NDE). This study aims to investigate NDEs and their aftereffects in dialysis patients. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 710 dialysis patients at 7 centers in Taipei, Taiwan. PREDICTOR: Demographic characteristics, life-threatening experience, depression, and religiosity. OUTCOMES: NDE and self-perceived changes in attitudes or behaviors. MEASUREMENTS: Greyson's NDE scale, Royal Free Questionnaire, 10-Question Survey, Ring's Weighted Core Experience Index, and Beck Depression Inventory. RESULTS: 45 patients had 51 NDEs. Mean NDE score was 11.9 (95% confidence interval, 11.0 to 12.9). Out-of-body experience was found in 51.0% of NDEs. Purported precognitive visions, awareness of being dead, and "tunnel experience" were uncommon (<10%). Compared with the no-NDE group, subjects in the NDE group were more likely to be women and younger at life-threatening events. Both frequency of participation in religious ceremonies and pious religious activity correlated significantly with NDE score in patients with NDEs (P < 0.01 and P = 0.01, respectively). The NDE group reported being kinder to others (P = 0.04) and more motivated (P = 0.02) after their life-threatening events than the no-NDE group. LIMITATIONS: Determining the incidence of NDEs is dependent on self-reporting. Many NDEs occurred before the patient began long-term dialysis therapy. Causality between NDE and aftereffects cannot be inferred. CONCLUSIONS: NDE is not uncommon in the dialysis population and is associated with positive aftereffects. Nephrology care providers should be aware of the occurrence and aftereffects of NDEs. The high occurrence of life-threatening events, availability of medical records, and accessibility and cooperativeness of patients make the dialysis population very suitable for NDE research. |
Publication | American Journal of Kidney Diseases: The Official Journal of the National Kidney Foundation |
Volume | 50 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 124-132, 132.e1-2 |
Date | Jul 2007 |
Journal Abbr | Am. J. Kidney Dis |
DOI | 10.1053/j.ajkd.2007.04.021 |
ISSN | 1523-6838 |
Short Title | Impact of near-death experiences on dialysis patients |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/17591532 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 15:30:11 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 17591532 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Background: People who have come close to death may report an unusual experience known as a near-death experience (NDE). This study aims to investigate NDEs and their aftereffects in dialysis patients. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. SETTING & Patricipants: 710 dialysis patients at 7 centers in Taipei, Taiwan. PREDICTOR: Demographic characteristics, life-threatening experience, depression, and religiosity. OUTCOMES: NDE and self-perceived changes in attitudes or behaviors. Measurements: Greyson’s NDE scale, Royal Free Questionnaire, 10-Question Survey, Ring’s Weighted Core Experience Index, and Beck Depression Inventory. Results: 45 patients had 51 NDEs. Mean NDE score was 11.9 (95% confidence interval, 11.0 to 12.9). Out-of-body experience was found in 51.0% of NDEs. Purported precognitive visions, awareness of being dead, and “tunnel experience” were uncommon (<10%). Compared with the no-NDE group, subjects in the NDE group were more likely to be women and younger at life-threatening events. Both frequency of participation in religious ceremonies and pious religious activity correlated significantly with NDE score in patients with NDEs (P < 0.01 and P = 0.01, respectively). The NDE group reported being kinder to others (P = 0.04) and more motivated (P = 0.02) after their life-threatening events than the no-NDE group. LIMITATIONS: Determining the incidence of NDEs is dependent on self-reporting. Many NDEs occurred before the patient began long-term dialysis therapy. Causality between NDE and aftereffects cannot be inferred. Conclusions: NDE is not uncommon in the dialysis population and is associated with positive aftereffects. Nephrology care providers should be aware of the occurrence and aftereffects of NDEs. The high occurrence of life-threatening events, availability of medical records, and accessibility and cooperativeness of patients make the dialysis population very suitable for NDE research.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | S Loader |
Abstract | People who have been resuscitated often describe phenomena which have a profound effect on them. Do these experiences have a physiological origin? |
Publication | Professional Nurse (London, England) |
Volume | 5 |
Issue | 9 |
Pages | 458-463 |
Date | Jun 1990 |
Journal Abbr | Prof Nurse |
ISSN | 0266-8130 |
Short Title | Heaven can wait |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/2367539 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 16:19:31 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 2367539 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
People who have been resuscitated often describe phenomena which have a profound effect on them. Do these experiences have a physiological origin?
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | L K Manley |
Publication | Journal of Emergency Nursing: JEN: Official Publication of the Emergency Department Nurses Association |
Volume | 22 |
Issue | 4 |
Pages | 311-316 |
Date | Aug 1996 |
Journal Abbr | J Emerg Nurs |
ISSN | 0099-1767 |
Short Title | Enchanted journeys |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/8936142 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 16:02:07 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 8936142 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | P R Martens |
Abstract | Frequent criticism concerning the investigation of near-death-experiences (NDEs) has been the lack of uniform nomenclature and the failure to control the studied population with an elimination of interfering factors such as administration of sedatives and nonspecific stress responses. Greyson's NDE Scale is a 16-item questionnaire developed to standardize further research into mechanisms and effects of NDEs. Using this scale, we interviewed good out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors, with documented time-intervals between call for help and restoration of spontaneous circulation, yet without obvious brain damage or known, psychiatric history. The incidence of such experiences appeared to be extremely low among survivors of genuine cardiac arrest events. Alteration of information processing under the influence of hypoxia and hypercarbia only occurs after several minutes of brain ischaemia. International multicentric data collection within the framework for standardized reporting of cardiac arrest events will be the only satisfying method to address this fascinating and intriguing issue. |
Publication | Resuscitation |
Volume | 27 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 171-175 |
Date | Mar 1994 |
Journal Abbr | Resuscitation |
ISSN | 0300-9572 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/8029538 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 16:08:48 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 8029538 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Frequent criticism concerning the investigation of near-death-experiences (NDEs) has been the lack of uniform nomenclature and the failure to control the studied population with an elimination of interfering factors such as administration of sedatives and nonspecific stress responses. Greyson’s NDE Scale is a 16-item questionnaire developed to standardize further research into mechanisms and effects of NDEs. Using this scale, we interviewed good out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors, with documented time-intervals between call for help and restoration of spontaneous circulation, yet without obvious brain damage or known, psychiatric history. The incidence of such experiences appeared to be extremely low among survivors of genuine cardiac arrest events. Alteration of information processing under the influence of hypoxia and hypercarbia only occurs after several minutes of brain ischaemia. International multicentric data collection within the framework for standardized reporting of cardiac arrest events will be the only satisfying method to address this fascinating and intriguing issue.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | M L Morse |
Abstract | Near death experiences (NDEs) have been reported throughout human history in a wide variety of cultures. In the past 20 years an explosion of accounts of such experiences occurring to those surviving coma, cardiac arrest, and noninjurious near fatal brushes with death has been reported. Such events occur to a broad cross section of society, including children, and are variously estimated to occur in between 10% and 90% of near-death situations. A number of similar elements are common to NDEs, including out-of-body experiences (OBEs), hearing buzzing or rushing sounds, entering into a void or a tunnel, seeing or entering into a bright spiritual light, encountering a border or limit, and the subjective perception of making a conscious choice or being forced to return to the body. Anecdotal cases exist in which the reality of the out-of-body perceptions can be independently verified by external conditions, situations, people, and objects. Childhood experiences are often compelling because children have a different perception of death than adults. Their experiences are simple and reveal a core NDE that is universal to the human dying experience. |
Publication | Current Problems in Pediatrics |
Volume | 24 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 55-83 |
Date | Feb 1994 |
Journal Abbr | Curr Probl Pediatr |
ISSN | 0045-9380 |
Short Title | Near death experiences and death-related visions in children |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/8026218 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 16:11:12 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 8026218 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Near death experiences (NDEs) have been reported throughout human history in a wide variety of cultures. In the past 20 years an explosion of accounts of such experiences occurring to those surviving coma, cardiac arrest, and noninjurious near fatal brushes with death has been reported. Such events occur to a broad cross section of society, including children, and are variously estimated to occur in between 10% and 90% of near-death situations. A number of similar elements are common to NDEs, including out-of-body experiences (OBEs), hearing buzzing or rushing sounds, entering into a void or a tunnel, seeing or entering into a bright spiritual light, encountering a border or limit, and the subjective perception of making a conscious choice or being forced to return to the body. Anecdotal cases exist in which the reality of the out-of-body perceptions can be independently verified by external conditions, situations, people, and objects. Childhood experiences are often compelling because children have a different perception of death than adults. Their experiences are simple and reveal a core NDE that is universal to the human dying experience.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | M Morse |
Abstract | Near-death experiences occurring to persons who have survived near-terminal events, such as cardiac arrests or profound comas, have been widely reported in the lay literature; however, there is little documentation of such events in the medical literature. These experiences generally have a consistent core of euphoric affect, an out-of-the-body state, encountering a being of light, meeting others (especially dead relatives), and going from a dark tunnel to a world of light. This core remains consistently present despite wide variations in the religious or cultural background of the person. Such an event occurred to a 7-year-old near-drowning victim. Pediatricians should be alerted to the potential need for counseling in children who have survived near-fatal events. |
Publication | American Journal of Diseases of Children (1960) |
Volume | 137 |
Issue | 10 |
Pages | 959-961 |
Date | Oct 1983 |
Journal Abbr | Am. J. Dis. Child |
ISSN | 0002-922X |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/6613940 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 17:48:23 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 6613940 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Near-death experiences occurring to persons who have survived near-terminal events, such as cardiac arrests or profound comas, have been widely reported in the lay literature; however, there is little documentation of such events in the medical literature. These experiences generally have a consistent core of euphoric affect, an out-of-the-body state, encountering a being of light, meeting others (especially dead relatives), and going from a dark tunnel to a world of light. This core remains consistently present despite wide variations in the religious or cultural background of the person. Such an event occurred to a 7-year-old near-drowning victim. Pediatricians should be alerted to the potential need for counseling in children who have survived near-fatal events.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | M Morse |
Author | P Castillo |
Author | D Venecia |
Author | J Milstein |
Author | D C Tyler |
Abstract | We nonselectively interviewed 11 patients aged 3 through 16 years who had survived critical illnesses, including cardiac arrests and profound comas. Any memory of a time they were unconscious was considered to be a near-death experience (NDE) and was recorded. Seven of these children had memories that included being out of the physical body (six patients), entering darkness (five patients), being in a tunnel (four patients), and deciding to return to the body (three patients). We also interviewed 29 age-matched survivors of illnesses that required intubation, narcotics, benzodiazepines, and admission to an intensive care unit. None of them had any memories of the time they were unconscious. In our study population, NDEs were clearly associated with surviving a critical illness. The elements of NDEs reported are similar to those previously described in adults. No children described elements of depersonalization as part of their NDEs. A core NDE, triggered by the process of dying or resuscitation efforts, may be a natural developmental experience. We present a neurophysiologic hypothesis as to the cause of NDEs. |
Publication | American Journal of Diseases of Children |
Volume | 140 |
Issue | 11 |
Pages | 1110-1114 |
Date | Nov 1986 |
Journal Abbr | Am. J. Dis. Child |
ISSN | 0002-922X |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/3020964 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 16:20:32 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 3020964 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
We nonselectively interviewed 11 patients aged 3 through 16 years who had survived critical illnesses, including cardiac arrests and profound comas. Any memory of a time they were unconscious was considered to be a near-death experience (NDE) and was recorded. Seven of these children had memories that included being out of the physical body (six patients), entering darkness (five patients), being in a tunnel (four patients), and deciding to return to the body (three patients). We also interviewed 29 age-matched survivors of illnesses that required intubation, narcotics, benzodiazepines, and admission to an intensive care unit. None of them had any memories of the time they were unconscious. In our study population, NDEs were clearly associated with surviving a critical illness. The elements of NDEs reported are similar to those previously described in adults. No children described elements of depersonalization as part of their NDEs. A core NDE, triggered by the process of dying or resuscitation efforts, may be a natural developmental experience. We present a neurophysiologic hypothesis as to the cause of NDEs.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | M Olson |
Publication | Holistic Nursing Practice |
Volume | 7 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 16-21 |
Date | Oct 1992 |
Journal Abbr | Holist Nurs Pract |
ISSN | 0887-9311 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/1447326 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 16:17:58 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 1447326 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | M Olson |
Author | P Dulaney |
Abstract | When 145 senior citizens living independently in the community were surveyed for incidence of near-death experiences (NDEs), 46 of the seniors believed they had had a "close call" with death. Twelve of those reported that they had had an unusual experience during their close call and were subsequently interviewed. Their stories were evaluated using research criteria to document sufficient number of characteristics of an NDE for inclusion in research data and if that set of characteristics of the NDE included a life review component. They were also compared to a non-NDE group on the Life Satisfaction Index, to determine if life review in the context of an NDE helped older people feel more satisfied with life. There was no correlation, because surprisingly, although older people do have NDEs at least as often as other groups, the life review does not seem to be a part of it. So the reasons for scores on the LSI-A are not attributable to the life review. Reasons for this finding are discussed. |
Publication | Journal of Holistic Nursing: Official Journal of the American Holistic Nurses' Association |
Volume | 11 |
Issue | 4 |
Pages | 368-382 |
Date | Dec 1993 |
Journal Abbr | J Holist Nurs |
ISSN | 0898-0101 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/8228140 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 16:12:43 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 8228140 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
When 145 senior citizens living independently in the community were surveyed for incidence of near-death experiences (NDEs), 46 of the seniors believed they had had a “close call” with death. Twelve of those reported that they had had an unusual experience during their close call and were subsequently interviewed. Their stories were evaluated using research criteria to document sufficient number of characteristics of an NDE for inclusion in research data and if that set of characteristics of the NDE included a life review component. They were also compared to a non-NDE group on the Life Satisfaction Index, to determine if life review in the context of an NDE helped older people feel more satisfied with life. There was no correlation, because surprisingly, although older people do have NDEs at least as often as other groups, the life review does not seem to be a part of it. So the reasons for scores on the LSI-A are not attributable to the life review. Reasons for this finding are discussed.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | R M Orne |
Abstract | An estimated 9 million adults in this country may have had a near-death experience (NDE), yet little research has been focused on the early aftermath of this extraordinary phenomenon. The purpose of this interpretive study was to appropriate and make visible how patients who had an NDE during a cardiac or respiratory arrest understood and experienced this early period of survival. Gadamerian hermeneutics (1975/1990) informed and guided the study. This interpretation demonstrates that NDEs and their early aftermath can be the positive, life-enhancing experiences that the common lore and most research tend to depict, yet they can also be unpleasant and distressing experiences fraught with emotional pain and angst. |
Publication | Research in Nursing & Health |
Volume | 18 |
Issue | 3 |
Pages | 239-247 |
Date | Jun 1995 |
Journal Abbr | Res Nurs Health |
ISSN | 0160-6891 |
Short Title | The meaning of survival |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/7754094 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 16:04:39 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 7754094 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
An estimated 9 million adults in this country may have had a near-death experience (NDE), yet little research has been focused on the early aftermath of this extraordinary phenomenon. The purpose of this interpretive study was to appropriate and make visible how patients who had an NDE during a cardiac or respiratory arrest understood and experienced this early period of survival. Gadamerian hermeneutics (1975/1990) informed and guided the study. This interpretation demonstrates that NDEs and their early aftermath can be the positive, life-enhancing experiences that the common lore and most research tend to depict, yet they can also be unpleasant and distressing experiences fraught with emotional pain and angst.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | J E Owens |
Author | E W Cook |
Author | I Stevenson |
Abstract | The medical records of 58 patients, most of whom believed they were near death during an illness or after an injury and all of whom later remembered unusual experiences occurring at the time, were examined. 28 patients were judged to have been so close to death that they would have died without medical intervention; the other 30 patients were not in danger of dying although most of them thought they were. Patients of both groups reported closely similar experiences but patients who really were close to death were more likely than those who were not to report an enhanced perception of light and enhanced cognitive powers. The claim of enhancement of cognitive functions despite the likelihood that brain function had probably become disturbed and possibly diminished, deserves further investigation. |
Publication | Lancet |
Volume | 336 |
Issue | 8724 |
Pages | 1175-1177 |
Date | Nov 10, 1990 |
Journal Abbr | Lancet |
ISSN | 0140-6736 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/1978037 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 16:19:14 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 1978037 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
The medical records of 58 patients, most of whom believed they were near death during an illness or after an injury and all of whom later remembered unusual experiences occurring at the time, were examined. 28 patients were judged to have been so close to death that they would have died without medical intervention; the other 30 patients were not in danger of dying although most of them thought they were. Patients of both groups reported closely similar experiences but patients who really were close to death were more likely than those who were not to report an enhanced perception of light and enhanced cognitive powers. The claim of enhancement of cognitive functions despite the likelihood that brain function had probably become disturbed and possibly diminished, deserves further investigation.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | Sam Parnia |
Author | Peter Fenwick |
Abstract | Very little is known about the dying process and in particular the state of the human mind at the end of life. Cardiac arrest is the final step in the dying process irrespective of cause, and is also the closest physiological model of the dying process. Recent studies in cardiac arrest survivors have indicated that although the majority of cardiac arrest survivors have no memory recall from the event, nevertheless approximately 10% develop memories that are consistent with typical near death experiences. These include an ability to 'see' and recall specific detailed descriptions of the resuscitation, as verified by resuscitation staff. Many studies in humans and animals have indicated that brain function ceases during cardiac arrest, thus raising the question of how such lucid, well-structured thought processes with reasoning and memory formation can occur at such a time. This has led to much interest as regards the potential implications for the study of consciousness and its relationship with the brain, which still remains an enigma. In this article, we will review published research examining brain physiology and function during cardiac arrest as well as its potential relationship with near death experiences during this time. Finally, we will explore the contribution that near death experiences during cardiac arrest may make to the wider understanding of human consciousness. |
Publication | Resuscitation |
Volume | 52 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 5-11 |
Date | Jan 2002 |
Journal Abbr | Resuscitation |
DOI | 10.1016/S0300-9572(01)00469-5 |
ISSN | 0300-9572 |
Short Title | Near death experiences in cardiac arrest |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/11801343 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 15:49:45 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 11801343 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Very little is known about the dying process and in particular the state of the human mind at the end of life. Cardiac arrest is the final step in the dying process irrespective of cause, and is also the closest physiological model of the dying process. Recent studies in cardiac arrest survivors have indicated that although the majority of cardiac arrest survivors have no memory recall from the event, nevertheless approximately 10% develop memories that are consistent with typical near death experiences. These include an ability to ‘see’ and recall specific detailed descriptions of the resuscitation, as verified by resuscitation staff. Many studies in humans and animals have indicated that brain function ceases during cardiac arrest, thus raising the question of how such lucid, well-structured thought processes with reasoning and memory formation can occur at such a time. This has led to much interest as regards the potential implications for the study of consciousness and its relationship with the brain, which still remains an enigma. In this article, we will review published research examining brain physiology and function during cardiac arrest as well as its potential relationship with near death experiences during this time. Finally, we will explore the contribution that near death experiences during cardiac arrest may make to the wider understanding of human consciousness.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | S. Parnia |
Author | K. Spearpoint |
Author | P.B. Fenwick |
Abstract | Summary Cardiac arrest is associated with a number of cognitive processes as well as long term psychological outcomes. Recent studies have indicated that approximately 10-20% of cardiac arrest survivors report cognitive processes, including the ability to recall specific details of their resuscitation from the period of cardiac arrest. In addition it has been demonstrated that these cognitive processes are consistent with the previously described near death experience and that those who have these experiences are left with long term positive life enhancing effects. There have also been numerous studies that have indicated that although the quality of life for cardiac arrest survivors is generally good, some are left with long term cognitive impairments as well as psychological sequelae such as post-traumatic stress disorder. This paper will review near death experiences, cognitive function and psychological outcomes in survivors of cardiac arrest. |
Publication | Resuscitation |
Volume | 74 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 215-221 |
Date | August 2007 |
DOI | 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2007.01.020 |
ISSN | 0300-9572 |
URL | http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.bu.edu/science/article/B6T19-4NFR5RB-1/2/2cfafc2dc822e4b3ec62b07171643dbf |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 15:30:49 2009 |
Library Catalog | ScienceDirect |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Cardiac arrest is associated with a number of cognitive processes as well as long term psychological outcomes. Recent studies have indicated that approximately 10-20% of cardiac arrest survivors report cognitive processes, including the ability to recall specific details of their resuscitation from the period of cardiac arrest. In addition it has been demonstrated that these cognitive processes are consistent with the previously described near death experience and that those who have these experiences are left with long term positive life enhancing effects. There have also been numerous studies that have indicated that although the quality of life for cardiac arrest survivors is generally good, some are left with long term cognitive impairments as well as psychological sequelae such as post-traumatic stress disorder. This paper will review near death experiences, cognitive function and psychological outcomes in survivors of cardiac arrest.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | S Parnia |
Author | D G Waller |
Author | R Yeates |
Author | P Fenwick |
Abstract | AIM: To carry out a prospective study of cardiac arrest survivors to understand the qualitative features as well as incidence, and possible aetiology of near death experiences (NDEs) in this group of patients. METHOD: All survivors of cardiac arrests during a 1 year period were interviewed within a week of their arrest, regarding memories of their unconscious period. Reported memories were assessed by the Greyson NDE Scale. The postulated role of physiological, psychological and transcendental factors were studied. Physiological parameters such as oxygen status were extracted from the medical notes. Patients' religious convictions were documented in the interviews and hidden targets were used to test the transcendental theories on potential out of body claims. Those with memories were compared to those without memories. RESULTS: 11.1% of 63 survivors reported memories. The majority had NDE features. There appeared to be no differences on all physiological measured parameters apart from partial pressure of oxygen during the arrest which was higher in the NDE group. CONCLUSIONS: Memories are rare after resuscitation from cardiac arrest. The majority of those that are reported have features of NDE and are pleasant. The occurrence of NDE during cardiac arrest raises questions about the possible relationship between the mind and the brain. Further large-scale studies are needed to understand the aetiology and true significance of NDE. |
Publication | Resuscitation |
Volume | 48 |
Issue | 2 |
Pages | 149-156 |
Date | Feb 2001 |
Journal Abbr | Resuscitation |
DOI | 10.1016/S0300-9572(00)00328-2 |
ISSN | 0300-9572 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/11426476 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 15:54:20 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 11426476 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
AIM: To carry out a prospective study of cardiac arrest survivors to understand the qualitative features as well as incidence, and possible aetiology of near death experiences (NDEs) in this group of patients. Method: All survivors of cardiac arrests during a 1 year period were interviewed within a week of their arrest, regarding memories of their unconscious period. Reported memories were assessed by the Greyson NDE Scale. The postulated role of physiological, psychological and transcendental factors were studied. Physiological parameters such as oxygen status were extracted from the medical notes. Patients’ religious convictions were documented in the interviews and hidden targets were used to test the transcendental theories on potential out of body claims. Those with memories were compared to those without memories. Results: 11.1% of 63 survivors reported memories. The majority had NDE features. There appeared to be no differences on all physiological measured parameters apart from partial pressure of oxygen during the arrest which was higher in the NDE group. Conclusions: Memories are rare after resuscitation from cardiac arrest. The majority of those that are reported have features of NDE and are pleasant. The occurrence of NDE during cardiac arrest raises questions about the possible relationship between the mind and the brain. Further large-scale studies are needed to understand the aetiology and true significance of NDE.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | E A Rodin |
Abstract | In recent years, there has been a marked increase in reports of the subjective experience of individuals in severe life-threatening circumstances. These have been used to suggest that scientific facts are now in agreement with religious beliefs as to the survival of the personality after physical death. This paper presents a personal death experience viewed by the author as a "subjective reality". This is contrasted with "shared subjective reality," i.e., commonly held beliefs among groups of individuals which do not necessarily lend themselves to scientific verification and scientifically derived objective reality. Subjectively real death experiences are regarded as corollary to a toxic psychosis. The content of the psychosis, which is not under voluntary control, determines the subjective experience of having entered either heaven or hell. |
Publication | The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease |
Volume | 168 |
Issue | 5 |
Pages | 259-263 |
Date | May 1980 |
Journal Abbr | J. Nerv. Ment. Dis |
ISSN | 0022-3018 |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/7365486 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 17:49:15 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 7365486 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
In recent years, there has been a marked increase in reports of the subjective experience of individuals in severe life-threatening circumstances. These have been used to suggest that scientific facts are now in agreement with religious beliefs as to the survival of the personality after physical death. This paper presents a personal death experience viewed by the author as a “subjective reality”. This is contrasted with “shared subjective reality,” i.e., commonly held beliefs among groups of individuals which do not necessarily lend themselves to scientific verification and scientifically derived objective reality. Subjectively real death experiences are regarded as corollary to a toxic psychosis. The content of the psychosis, which is not under voluntary control, determines the subjective experience of having entered either heaven or hell.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | P W Schenk |
Abstract | The literature on near-death experiences is consistent in describing how such events are typically transformative. Utilizing standard hypnotic techniques, therapists can approximate many of the therapeutic aspects of such experiences, without the life-or-death crisis, to facilitate both first and second order change in psychotherapy. This article explores the use of hypnotically facilitated waking dreams as an interactive projective technique. The focus is on the varied ways that the dream components that correlate with near-death experiences can evoke durable change. |
Publication | The American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis |
Volume | 42 |
Issue | 1 |
Pages | 36-49 |
Date | Jul 1999 |
Journal Abbr | Am J Clin Hypn |
ISSN | 0002-9157 |
Short Title | The benefits of working with a "dead" patient |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/10570851 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 15:57:45 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 10570851 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
The literature on near-death experiences is consistent in describing how such events are typically transformative. Utilizing standard hypnotic techniques, therapists can approximate many of the therapeutic aspects of such experiences, without the life-or-death crisis, to facilitate both first and second order change in psychotherapy. This article explores the use of hypnotically facilitated waking dreams as an interactive projective technique. The focus is on the varied ways that the dream components that correlate with near-death experiences can evoke durable change.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | S B Schoenbeck |
Publication | The American Journal of Nursing |
Volume | 93 |
Issue | 5 |
Pages | 42-46 |
Date | May 1993 |
Journal Abbr | Am J Nurs |
ISSN | 0002-936X |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/8488901 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 16:15:57 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 8488901 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | S M Simpson |
Abstract | BACKGROUND: A concept is a thought or complicated mental illustration of a phenomenon. Concepts are essential in research development as they are described as the building blocks of theory. The occurrence of near death experiences (NDEs) is not an innovative subject. Parallels have existed as early as the Bible and Plato's Republic. The NDE was given further consideration in 1975 by Dr Raymond Moody who initiated an interest from the general public and researchers alike, with his book Life after Life. METHOD: This paper will use the strategy of concept analysis to find a working definition for the concept of the NDE and the implications it has for nursing. CONCLUSION: This paper will attest that the number of people who have claimed to have a NDE is phenomenal and overwhelming. In addition, it claims that the numbers of those who have experienced this phenomenon may be underestimated because of the persons' feeling of insecurity in talking with others about their paranormal incident. Therefore, it is vital that nurses become aware of the NDE and how to support the client who has had the experience. The following paper will summarize the different stages of a NDE, the consequences that one experiences, both positive and negative, and nursing implications. |
Publication | Journal of Advanced Nursing |
Volume | 36 |
Issue | 4 |
Pages | 520-526 |
Date | Nov 2001 |
Journal Abbr | J Adv Nurs |
ISSN | 0309-2402 |
Short Title | Near death experience |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/11703546 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 15:52:09 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 11703546 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Background: A concept is a thought or complicated mental illustration of a phenomenon. Concepts are essential in research development as they are described as the building blocks of theory. The occurrence of near death experiences (NDEs) is not an innovative subject. Parallels have existed as early as the Bible and Plato’s Republic. The NDE was given further consideration in 1975 by Dr Raymond Moody who initiated an interest from the general public and researchers alike, with his book Life after Life. Method: This paper will use the strategy of concept analysis to find a working definition for the concept of the NDE and the implications it has for nursing. Conclusion: This paper will attest that the number of people who have claimed to have a NDE is phenomenal and overwhelming. In addition, it claims that the numbers of those who have experienced this phenomenon may be underestimated because of the persons’ feeling of insecurity in talking with others about their paranormal incident. Therefore, it is vital that nurses become aware of the NDE and how to support the client who has had the experience. The following paper will summarize the different stages of a NDE, the consequences that one experiences, both positive and negative, and nursing implications.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | P van Lommel |
Author | R van Wees |
Author | V Meyers |
Author | I Elfferich |
Abstract | BACKGROUND: Some people report a near-death experience (NDE) after a life-threatening crisis. We aimed to establish the cause of this experience and assess factors that affected its frequency, depth, and content. METHODS: In a prospective study, we included 344 consecutive cardiac patients who were successfully resuscitated after cardiac arrest in ten Dutch hospitals. We compared demographic, medical, pharmacological, and psychological data between patients who reported NDE and patients who did not (controls) after resuscitation. In a longitudinal study of life changes after NDE, we compared the groups 2 and 8 years later. FINDINGS: 62 patients (18%) reported NDE, of whom 41 (12%) described a core experience. Occurrence of the experience was not associated with duration of cardiac arrest or unconsciousness, medication, or fear of death before cardiac arrest. Frequency of NDE was affected by how we defined NDE, the prospective nature of the research in older cardiac patients, age, surviving cardiac arrest in first myocardial infarction, more than one cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during stay in hospital, previous NDE, and memory problems after prolonged CPR. Depth of the experience was affected by sex, surviving CPR outside hospital, and fear before cardiac arrest. Significantly more patients who had an NDE, especially a deep experience, died within 30 days of CPR (p<0.0001). The process of transformation after NDE took several years, and differed from those of patients who survived cardiac arrest without NDE. INTERPRETATION: We do not know why so few cardiac patients report NDE after CPR, although age plays a part. With a purely physiological explanation such as cerebral anoxia for the experience, most patients who have been clinically dead should report one. |
Publication | Lancet |
Volume | 358 |
Issue | 9298 |
Pages | 2039-2045 |
Date | Dec 15, 2001 |
Journal Abbr | Lancet |
DOI | 10.1016/S0140-6736(01)07100-8 |
ISSN | 0140-6736 |
Short Title | Near-death experience in survivors of cardiac arrest |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/11755611 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 15:47:40 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 11755611 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Background: Some people report a near-death experience (NDE) after a life-threatening crisis. We aimed to establish the cause of this experience and assess factors that affected its frequency, depth, and content. Methods: In a prospective study, we included 344 consecutive cardiac patients who were successfully resuscitated after cardiac arrest in ten Dutch hospitals. We compared demographic, medical, pharmacological, and psychological data between patients who reported NDE and patients who did not (controls) after resuscitation. In a longitudinal study of life changes after NDE, we compared the groups 2 and 8 years later. Findings: 62 patients (18%) reported NDE, of whom 41 (12%) described a core experience. Occurrence of the experience was not associated with duration of cardiac arrest or unconsciousness, medication, or fear of death before cardiac arrest. Frequency of NDE was affected by how we defined NDE, the prospective nature of the research in older cardiac patients, age, surviving cardiac arrest in first myocardial infarction, more than one cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during stay in hospital, previous NDE, and memory problems after prolonged CPR. Depth of the experience was affected by sex, surviving CPR outside hospital, and fear before cardiac arrest. Significantly more patients who had an NDE, especially a deep experience, died within 30 days of CPR (p<0.0001). The process of transformation after NDE took several years, and differed from those of patients who survived cardiac arrest without NDE. INTERPRETATION: We do not know why so few cardiac patients report NDE after CPR, although age plays a part. With a purely physiological explanation such as cerebral anoxia for the experience, most patients who have been clinically dead should report one.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | M Vinter |
Abstract | 1. Patients often feel better able to confide in nurses than doctors on 'difficult' subjects. 2. Research has rejected conventional hallucinatory effects as a conclusive explanation for NDEs. 3. Nurses may legitimately agree that current research at least points to the possibility of continuation of life after death. 4. Research on energy conservation, thermodynamics and behaviour of subatomic particles suggests there is a wavelength of reality beyond the reach of normal sensory perception. |
Publication | Professional Nurse (London, England) |
Volume | 10 |
Issue | 3 |
Pages | 171-173 |
Date | Dec 1994 |
Journal Abbr | Prof Nurse |
ISSN | 0266-8130 |
Short Title | An insight into the afterlife? |
URL | http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.ezproxy.bu.edu/pubmed/7862685 |
Accessed | Fri Oct 9 16:08:06 2009 |
Library Catalog | NCBI PubMed |
Extra | PMID: 7862685 |
Date Added | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
Modified | Sat Oct 1 16:55:15 2011 |
1. Patients often feel better able to confide in nurses than doctors on ‘difficult’ subjects. 2. Research has rejected conventional hallucinatory effects as a conclusive explanation for NDEs. 3. Nurses may legitimately agree that current research at least points to the possibility of continuation of life after death. 4. Research on energy conservation, thermodynamics and behaviour of subatomic particles suggests there is a wavelength of reality beyond the reach of normal sensory perception.
Type | Journal Article |
---|---|
Author | David J. Wilde |
Author | Craig D. Murray |
Abstract | Near-death experiences (NDEs) have become a topic of increasing interest to medical and psychological researchers over the last 35 years. During the course of this research agenda, several studies have focused on the phenomenology of the experience and its after-effects, mostly from a nomothetic stance. The aim of this study was to investigate the experience of having an NDE and what meaning NDErs attribute to that experience and its resultant after-effects by taking an idiographic, phenomenological approach. Three female participants took part in recorded face-to-face, semi-structured interviews. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis found that to more deeply understand the impact of NDEs it is crucial to consider how the experience fits within the biographical context of an individual's life. Rather than being an overall influence on personal and spiritual growth, individuals may choose elements of an experience which are most personally meaningful for them and take that into their later lives. Each participant in some way came to a new understanding in their lives as a result of their NDE. In addition, the process of integration was helped or hindered by physical and psychological factors concomitant at the time of the NDE. Also evident were the challenges the NDE, or elements therein, have on the individual's sense of self and how they maintain and develop that self in the years succeeding the event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
Publication | Mental Health, Religion & Culture |
Volume | 12 |
Issue | 3 |
Pages | 223-239 |
Date | April 2009 |
DOI | 10.1080/13674670802334910 |
ISSN | 13674676 |
Short Title | The evolving self |
Library Catalog | EBSCOhost |
Date Added | Thu Sep 29 09:07:00 2011 |
Modified | Thu Sep 29 09:07:00 2011 |