Near-death Research Articles

Which near-death experience features are associated with reduced fear of death?

ABSTRACT Death is a common existential concern, and fear of death is widespread at subclinical levels. Near-death experiences (NDEs) are profound mystical experiences that may occur close to death, and they are usually followed by dramatic reductions in fear of death. The content of these experiences varies in each case, but NDEs tend to have common features among individuals and across cultures. While many studies using different tools to measure fear of death and death anxiety have documented their reduction after NDEs, we do not know the influence of specific NDE features on this effect. This research presents statistical correlations between features of NDEs and post-experience death attitudes, both negative and positive. We found that encountering mystical beings and having a life review during one’s NDE are the strongest predictors of reduced fear of death. Contrary to theoretical predictions, a sense of disembodiment is not associated with change in death attitudes. These findings can be used to design interventions aimed at reducing fear of death in vulnerable populations, including people at end-of-life. We also discuss these findings in the context of Terror Management Theory regarding death awareness as a motivator of human behaviour.

Investigation of the Approaches to The Near-Death Experiences in Patients Returning to Life After Cardiac Arrest: A Qualitative Study

Objectıves: Patients with cardiac arrest (CA) who undergo cardiopulmonary resuscitation may experience cognitive processes, and some may accurately describe the events experienced during the arrest, indicating the presence of consciousness. The aim of this study was to investigate the approaches to near death experiences in patients who returned to life after cardiac arrest. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in qualitative type. The sample consisted of 12 patients hospitalized in the cardiology intensive care clinics of a private hospital who were arrested and returned to life with successful resuscitation. Purposeful sampling method was used in sample selection. The reason for these clinics is that one of the researchers is working at this institution and has successfully resuscitated these patients and returned them to life. Data were collected between March and May 2019 by face-to-face interview method. In-depth interview; Key questions determined by literature review and expert opinion and forms containing guiding questions for each key question were used. These forms were Semi-Structured Questionnaire, Individual Information Form and Informing and Consent Form. Two academicians and one specialist physician were interviewed on the draft form based on the literature, meaning disorders and deficiencies were resolved. Interviews were held in the meeting room of the hospital. Each of the interviews lasted approximately 40-50 minutes and was terminated after the interviews were continued by both participants and researchers until there was no more information available. Interview; On the basis of confidentiality, participants were given a code (Code: K.1, E.1) and audio recording was taken. The data obtained from the interviews were transferred from the voice recorder to the computer. Coding-based content analysis was used for data analysis. In this analysis, similar data were classified under certain concepts and themes and interpreted in a comprehensible manner. Frequency and percentages of individual information were calculated and expressed. The data obtained were reported in detail and the validity of the study was ensured by direct quotations. Results: According to the findings of the study, 75% of the participants were male, the average age was 63, 50% were university graduates, as religious tendency, 41.7% Deist and 50% as religious. 75% of the respondents evaluated this as a death experience. When the answers given by the participants to the interview questions were examined in general, it was determined that there was “a feeling of relaxation and serenity”, “time passed rapidly, light emitted from a deep darkness”, “pain and pain were not felt”, and the happiness of returning to life for a second time was very valuable. Conclusion: In this study where the experience of approaching the threshold of dying was examined in those who returned to life after cardiac arrest, most of the participants stated that they accepted this process as a “death experience.. In addition, the forms and expressions of the interviewed patients describing the events they experienced during the cardiac arrest process indicate the presence of consciousness; The feeling of peace, from a deep darkness to light with expressions were identified. In addition to repeating the study with a larger sample, it is recommended that health professionals involved in the arrest process be informed about this issue.

After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal about Life and Beyond by Bruce Greyson

After portrays the epic journey of a true skeptic who chose to follow the data rather than reject seemingly fantastical accounts from his patients. It is an account of transformation while maintaining a thoughtful balance accommodating both spiritual and material worldviews. Spurred on by serendipitous events, uniquely Greyson has spent more than four decades chasing the previously inexplicable, and gossamer-like, but tantalizing glimpses of what was reported to be the continuation of consciousness beyond physical existence. There have been a number of compelling books describing detailed accounts of those who pierced the veil and returned to report on it. In Proof of Heaven, Dr. Eben Alexander, a neurosurgeon with more than two decades of experience, first related his extensive interactions in the nether realms while suffering from gram-negative meningitis; a condition from which he was not expected to survive. Dr. Mary Neal incredibly was revived after more than 30 minutes submerged in the raging waters in the Los Rios region in southern Chile. Writing To Heaven and Back, similarly, she reported events that can only be described as miracles and extracorporeal encounters with heavenly deities. While discarnate, she was provided accurate information of events that tragically would come to pass, thus substantiating the validity of that experience. Those books, and many others, provide insightful details into often dramatic experiences. What Greyson brings to the table is more than four decades of intensive research and examination of thousands of reported near-death experiences (NDE’s), the breadth and depth of which are unparalleled.

The Science of Spirit: Parapsychology, Enlightenment and Evolution by Luis Portela

When one sees an opening chapter entitled “From Science to Love” it begs for further reading. After all, for most these are incongruent terms that represent two seemingly opposite sides in a debate, logic, and systematic evaluation vs. emotion. There have been many books written about the convergence of science and spirituality, and one cannot help but notice how some of today’s physicists are sounding more like spiritualists than scientists, but Dr. Portola uses this platform as wake up call for humanity.
 There is a brief discussion about some well-known enlightened beings in our history, including founders of today’s organized religions, and our progression from animism to polytheism, and eventually monotheism, but Portola astutely points out the role that science played in explaining natural phenomena. Our ancestors could not have imagined these discoveries, and it was science that moved us past idol worship to spiritual independence. The author is well versed in the primary disciplines of research that suggest survival and devotes part of the book to discussions of the nature of consciousness, neuroscience, thought transmission, psychokinesis, near-death experiences, reincarnation, mediumship, and instrumental TransCommunication, but the overall message is clear that science can show us the road but changing the world paradigm starts with individual transformation. In the discussion of the neurosciences and parapsychology it is suggested that perhaps an adjustment to the scientific method is indicated by putting more value on the anecdotal personal experiences that are so prevalent. In his discussion about a paradigm shift Portola suggests that all people, including scientists and mediums, will understand more by first finding themselves through contemplation and reflection. It is only after we open to the subtle layers of consciousness that we can achieve the necessary balance needed to reach our objectives. The suggestion that scientists also need to contemplate and reflect upon the bigger picture seems contrary to the definition of science, but I suspect that Portola is correct.

Response to: Near-death experiences and the importance of transparency in subjectivity, ontology and epistemology.

Response to: Near-death experiences and the importance of transparency in subjectivity, ontology and epistemology.

Life changes after the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, including a deeper sense of spirituality

ABSTRACT While it is widely known that pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago changes people, there is limited research exploring the transformative aftereffects of the experience. The purpose of this article is to contribute to filling this research gap by comparing life changes in beliefs, philosophy and behavior to life changes after three different kinds of exceptional human experiences (EHEs) from methodologically similar studies. Life changes after the pilgrimage experience are compared with life changes after unitive/mystical experiences (U/MEs), combat near-death experiences (cNDEs), and hypnotically-induced death experiences (HDEs). To measure life changes reported by pilgrims who had traveled the Camino de Santiago, an online survey (n = 630) was conducted using the established instrument for assessing aftereffects of the EHE, the ‘Life Changes Inventory-Revised’ (LCI-R). Findings suggest that pilgrimage experience may be comparable in aftereffects to other types of EHEs. In all four comparative studies, the most striking changes involve an increase in appreciation for life; a heightened quest for meaning and sense of purpose; more concern for others; greater self-acceptance; as well as a deeper sense of spirituality. Also, all four yielded a decrease in concern with worldly achievement. In the present study this decrease tends to be strongly associated with an increase in spirituality but not religiousness.

Consciousness and Near-Death Experiences: Access to a Known World

Near-death or death-like experiences are a natural, albeit uncommon, phenomenon due to the temporary and reversible decoupling or dissociation of the Psychosoma from its material counterpart, the physical body. Indeed, these “psychophysical events” are fundamental in clinical conditions that lead to unconsciousness in individuals declared clinically dead or who have come very close to physical death. In addition, Consciousness is fundamental in the occurrence of these experiences. In fact, Consciousness, a higher order field, is the entity that vibrationally dissociates from the physical body and is also the protagonist of the entire chain of events of near-death experiences, as well as out-of-body experiences. Undoubtedly, matter is a creation of the Universal Intelligent Principle and the primary cause of all things. Thus, Consciousness is the basis of all existence, of primordial reality. Vehicle of manifestation of Consciousness, the Psychosoma is a morphogenetic, vaporous, translucent, luminous body which is also made up of all organs, including the immaterial brain [mind] and the other electromagnetic systems of the human body. The Psychosoma is, therefore, the connection bridge between Consciousness, a complex subtle field, non-electromagnetic, responsible for all phenomena of near-death experiences in connection with the dense field of gross matter, the physical body. For example, the Consciousness is the one who sees, feels pain and welcomes its family members on the verge of death during the near-death experience in any vibrational dimension, even being perceived by the Psychosoma. Here it is important to remember that dimension is not a place. It’s a vibration. It’s a frequency. The main objective of this article is to approach innovative and comprehensive concepts about the role of Consciousness in near-death experiences as well as to try to overcome limiting paradigms that prevents the progress of science. In addition, concepts based on quantum holography and information theory were raised here. Following this reasoning, I start with the formulation of a hypothesis about the role of Consciousness in near-death and out-of-body experiences. Thus, we propose a new and unique approach to Consciousness in order to investigate the role of Mind and its relationship with life and death. In this way, we intend to introduce new concepts for discussion and not give the last word to the currently unanswered questions of Consciousness regarding its interaction with the environment; with death and life and finally with respect to its origin. Finally, a selective bibliographic research was carried out in English language databases with the purpose of making the study design compatible, which presents specific concepts of a subject that had been little studied until then.

Review of the book The Forever Angels: Near-Death Experiences in Childhood and Their Lifelong Impact

Review of a book titled "The Forever Angels: Near-Death Experiences in Childhood and Their Lifelong Impact," written by P. M. H. Atwater about research about near-death experiences (NDEs) among children and long-term effects once they reach adulthood.

Disenchanted Wanderer: The Apocalyptic Vision of Konstantin Leontiev by Glenn Cronin

Reviewed by: Disenchanted Wanderer: The Apocalyptic Vision of Konstantin Leontiev by Glenn Cronin Alexandra Medzibrodszky (bio) Glenn Cronin, Disenchanted Wanderer: The Apocalyptic Vision of Konstantin Leontiev (Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 2021). 261 pp., ills. Bibliography. Index. ISBN: 978-1-5017-6018-1. This is a new English-language intellectual biography of Konstantin Leontiev (1831–1891), a thinker and writer whose place in Russian intellectual history remains ambiguous and controversial. Previous attempts to pinpoint his ideas on a larger intellectual map have produced a variety of expressive labels. Nikolai Berdyaev called him a "Russian Nietzsche," Sergei Trubetskoy–a "disappointed Slavophile," Andrzej Walicki–an "integral reactionary," and his disciple Father Iosif Fudel simply referred to him as a "lonely thinker." Cronin correctly notes that the intense interest in Leontiev's thought in postcommunist Russia has not been matched with the same level of attention in the West. This is even more surprising because Vladimir Putin "championed Leontiev as a prophet of the true Russian culture" and "Russia under Putin still gives the West much to puzzle over" (Pp. 7–9). While Leontiev alone will not be enough to understand Russia under [End Page 303] Putin, the book is indeed a timely reevaluation of Leontiev and it is the first comprehensive study of his life and ideas in English since Stephen Lukashevich's psychoanalytical book published back in 1967.1 Leontiev was hardly an "ivory tower" thinker, as underscored by the three milestone events in his life that proved fateful for his intellectual development. In 1849, he started to study medicine at Moscow University. After graduating early, he joined the army as a doctor during the Crimean War. His medical training must have made him particularly predisposed to social organicism in his studies of civilizations. Another important turning point in Leontiev's life came in 1864 when he joined the Asiatic Department of the Russian foreign ministry. He spent the next ten years in various posts across the Ottoman Empire, including Istanbul and Thessaloniki, and was fascinated and impressed by the Ottoman world. This period in his life not only provided him with rich source material for various opinion pieces and literary works but also helped him crystallize his biological-aesthetic guiding principle–"unity in variety"–which strongly influenced his conceptualization of historical process. The third decisive moment came in 1871 when Leontiev fell seriously ill with cholera. In desperation, he prayed to the Virgin Mary for a cure and promised to visit the monastery on Mount Athos, a sacred site of Eastern Orthodoxy, if he recovered. In Leontiev's account, his condition immediately started to improve and he miraculously survived the illness. The existential dread and spiritual crisis had a pronounced impact on his worldview. In his last years he settled near the Optina Pustyn monastery, a spiritual center of Russian Orthodoxy. He died in 1891 in another important monastery, the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, a couple of months after taking monastic vows. The book offers a well-written, easy-to-follow introduction to Leontiev for specialists in Russian history and nonspecialists alike: it is organized chronologically, following the main events in his life while also reconstructing the main intellectual contexts, influences, and conflicts of his time. Writing an intellectual biography is challenging as it requires a delicate intertwining of the protagonist's intellectual development with his personal life and with the larger political, cultural, and historical contexts. Cronin aptly identifies the major turns and defining influences in Leontiev's intellectual biography and discusses his life and ideas. [End Page 304] The book's thirteen chapters are grouped into three parts. The first part focuses on Leontiev's early years as a doctor and diplomat until the time of his near-death experience in 1871. Discussing Leontiev's literary works and criticism penned at that time, Cronin convincingly demonstrates that Leontiev's rejection of the primacy of the moral over the aesthetic made him an instant outsider in the Russian cultural milieu. This position went against the dominant ethically and utilitarian currents of literary criticism propagated by Nikolay Chernyshevsky and Nikolay Dobrolyubov. Literary analysis in the book follows George Ivask's pronouncement that in all Leontiev's "novels we find...

Between Heaven and Hell: Experiences of Preoperative Pain and Pain Management among Older Patients with Hip Fracture.

IntroductionAmong older adults, hip fracture is a common and serious consequence of a fall. Preoperative pain is common and often severe among patients with hip fracture. Opioids are usually used but have many side effects. One alternative is a femoral nerve block, which has been shown to reduce pain and lower the need for opioids. However, to our knowledge no study has explored qualitatively how patients with hip fracture experience treatment with femoral nerve block.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore experiences of preoperative pain and pain management among older patients with hip fracture who had received a femoral nerve block.MethodA qualitative design with semi-structured interviews (n = 23) conducted 2–6 days after surgery. Inclusion criteria were Swedish-speaking patients aged 70 years or older with hip fracture admitted to the orthopedic ward, treated with femoral nerve block before nursing actions. Data were analyzed with qualitative content analysis.ResultsOur result revealed one theme, hovering between heaven and hell, with five subthemes: how the pain was described – no pain, to worst pain and everything in between; they were dealing with pain in their own way; felt dependent on staff´s willingness to relieve pain; pain management could be lifesaving and a near-death experience; and how they experienced memory loss with respect to the pain and pain management.ConclusionThe experience of pain and pain management was described as hovering between heaven and hell. We conclude that independent of which pain management given, staff should have an individualized pain mangement approach towards the patient in order to achieve well managed pain.

Maternal health, vulnerability and violation: memories of women from the northeast of Brazil who have had near-death experiences

Experiências de complicações graves na gravidez podem revelar questões negligenciadas ou despercebidas no cuidado prestado. O objetivo deste estudo é compreender tais questões por meio das memórias de mulheres do interior do nordeste brasileiro que vivenciaram tais episódios. Para tanto, foi realizada pesquisa qualitativa mediante entrevistas semiestruturadas e análise de conteúdo, ancorada no Interacionismo Simbólico. Aponta-se uma avaliação negativa das mulheres quanto aos cuidados recebidos durante a gravidez. As cicatrizes dolorosas acompanham o cotidiano dessas mulheres, que seguem dilaceradas por consequências psicológicas, físicas e emocionais. Espera-se incitar reflexões urgentes e críticas entre os diferentes atores e instituições envolvidos na temática para impedir que mulheres sejam submetidas a situações iníquas e evitáveis de sofrimento, vulnerabilidade e vulneração, como vem ocorrendo.

Response to Recent Book Review of The Forever Angels: Near-Death Experiences in Childhood and Their Lifelong Impact

Response to Recent Book Review of The Forever Angels: Near-Death Experiences in Childhood and Their Lifelong Impact

Commentary on Previous Journal Article "Near-Death Experiences and Claims of Past-Life Memories"

Commentary on Previous Journal Article "Near-Death Experiences and Claims of Past-Life Memories"

Why Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) Matter to Psychology: An Exploration of Aotearoa New Zealand Psychologists' Knowledge of NDEs and Implications for Professional Practice

Why Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) Matter to Psychology: An Exploration of Aotearoa New Zealand Psychologists' Knowledge of NDEs and Implications for Professional Practice

Did Dostoevsky Have a Near-Death Experience?

Did Dostoevsky Have a Near-Death Experience?

Janet L. Langlois (1946–2021)

Janet L. Langlois (1946–2021)

Why Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) Matter to Psychology: An Exploration of Aotearoa New Zealand Psychologists’ Knowledge of NDEs and Implications for Professional Practice

Why Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) Matter to Psychology: An Exploration of Aotearoa New Zealand Psychologists’ Knowledge of NDEs and Implications for Professional Practice

Thanatotherapy: How psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and the near-death experience can mutually benefit one another

Thanatotherapy: How psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and the near-death experience can mutually benefit one another

Comparing Near-Death Experiences and Shared Death Experiences: An Illuminating Contrast

Comparing Near-Death Experiences and Shared Death Experiences: An Illuminating Contrast

"Hypnotically Induced Near-Death-Like Experiences: An Exploratory Study of Phenomenological Similarities to Near-Death Experiences"

"Hypnotically Induced Near-Death-Like Experiences: An Exploratory Study of Phenomenological Similarities to Near-Death Experiences"