10 papers in the library · 19 citations · publishing 2024-2026
July 31, 2026 Samantha Lee Treasure, Alexander de Foe, Sam Gandy et al. preprint
The primary aim of this study is to explore the demographic, experiential, and phenomenological variables of entity encounters during out-of-body experiences (OBEs) through an online survey shared with adults.
Frontiers in Psychology June 2, 2026 Marina Weiler, Marieta Pehlivanova, Philip J. Cozzolino
Out-of-body experiences (OBEs) are altered states sometimes accompanied by reports of veridical perception-accurate information seemingly obtained from a vantage point outside the body and ostensibly without conventional sensory input. While case collections and early laboratory studies suggest this possibility, replication under conventional laboratory protocols has been challenging. This...
Neuroimage June 1, 2026 David J Acunzo, Andrea H Denton, Marina Weiler et al.
Research efforts spanning more than seven decades have used functional neuroimaging to investigate whether putative extra‑sensory perception (ESP/receptive psi) has identifiable neural correlates. However, the field lacks a coherent and critical synthesis of its methodological approaches and reported effects. We conducted a systematic review consolidating 143 reports and qualitatively evaluated...
Frontiers in Psychology September 15, 2025 Marina Weiler, Alexander Moreira-Almeida, Martin M. Monti
Despite extensive discussions, a consensus is lacking on whether out-of-body experiences (OBEs) and lucid dreams (LDs) should be considered as distinct categories of experience, and if so, what differentiates them. To address this issue, we first discussed the implications of OBEs and LDs as the same type of phenomenon. We then compiled a comprehensive list of experiential features associated...
Journal of Consciousness Studies April 1, 2025 Marina Weiler, R. F. Casseb, David J Acunzo
An out-of-body experience (OBE) is a phenomenon in which an individual experiences a detachment of their consciousness from their physical body. The neural mechanisms underlying OBEs remain elusive, primarily due to their unpredictable and spontaneous nature, making their study particularly challenging. Using individuals who can self-induce OBEs in a laboratory setting could be a fruitful...
International Review of Psychiatry 2025 Marina Weiler, David J Acunzo 4 citations
The mind-body problem remains a central issue in the philosophy of mind. This paper examines how out-of-body experiences (OBEs) might provide insights into the relationship between the mind and body. Four interpretations of OBEs are considered. The first posits that OBEs arise from neural or sensory dysfunction, framing them as products of brain activity. From this perspective, OBEs are akin to...
International Review of Psychiatry 2025 Marjorie Woollacott, Marina Weiler 3 citations
In this review, we examine studies suggesting that conscious or mental awareness is constrained by our neural filters. These filters include sensory receptors, the ascending reticular activating system and the thalamus, the default mode network, and left hemisphere language centers. These filters limit our perception of the world to a narrow range of energy frequencies, make sense of space and...
Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews August 1, 2024 Marina Weiler, David J Acunzo, Philip J. Cozzolino et al. 10 citations
Out-of-body experiences (OBEs) are subjective phenomena during which individuals feel disembodied or perceive themselves as outside of their physical bodies, often resulting in profound and transformative effects. In particular, experiencers report greater heightened pro-social behavior, including more peaceful relationships, tolerance, and empathy. Drawing parallels with the phenomenon of ego...
Frontiers in Psychology June 13, 2024 Marieta Pehlivanova, Marina Weiler, Bruce Greyson 2 citations
Introduction Belief in psi, which includes psychic phenomena such as extra-sensory perception and post-mortem survival, is widespread yet controversial. According to one of the leading and perhaps most tested hypotheses, high belief in psi can be explained by differences in various aspects of cognition, including cognitive styles. Most of this research has been conducted with lay individuals....
PsyArXiv June 10, 2024 Marina Weiler, Raphael Fernandes Casseb, David J Acunzo preprint
In this pilot study, we delved into the experiences of three individuals who claimed the ability to induce Out-of-Body Experiences (OBEs) at will. Our primary objective was to ascertain the feasibility of replicating self-induced OBEs within a controlled laboratory setting. Additionally, we aimed to explore the potential of utilizing voluntary horizontal eye movements, monitored through...