Journal of Near-Death Studies
January 1, 2008
Rudolf H. Smit
A widely cited near-death experience story describes a patient who, after being clinically dead, accurately identified the nurse who removed his dentures—information he should not have known. The author conducted an investigation into this account, which was originally published in a mainstream medical journal, to resolve ongoing speculations about its validity. The outcome of that investigation is reported, aiming to clarify whether the event occurred as described.
Journal of Near-Death Studies
January 1, 2005
J. Mcclenon
Analysis of 28 near-death experience (NDE) narratives from a predominantly African-American sample in northeastern North Carolina found a lower incidence of core NDE features than in a prior sample of International Association for Near-Death Studies members, but similar to rates in British and American samples. No significant differences in feature frequency appeared between crisis and non-crisis accounts. Content analysis revealed different frequencies of NDE type and more negative emotion than earlier studies. Accounts included elements linked to shamanism and illuminated how NDEs shape folk religious belief. Findings supported hypotheses from the ritual healing theory.
Journal of Near-Death Studies
March 1, 2003
Thomas E. Beck, Janet E. Colli
Near-death life reviews, characterized by instantaneous and empathetic recall of vast amounts of information, challenge current memory research. Advances in quantum physics, biomechanics, holographic information theory, and consciousness studies now support a proposed quantum biomechanical basis for these phenomena. The authors introduce the quantum hologram as a non-local carrier of information and investigate non-local communications and the electromagnetic zero-point field. Recent confirmation of the zero-point field suggests vast memory storage outside the physical body. Microtubules are considered key to non-local quantum processes in consciousness, and the liquid crystalline nature of the human body further supports the model, with microtubules, DNA, and the brain communicating non-locally with unlimited memory storage.
Journal of Near-Death Studies
January 1, 2003
J. Fadiman, J. Gruber
A review of Rick Strassman's book 'DMT: The Spirit Molecule,' which describes his clinical research on the psychedelic compound DMT and its effects on human consciousness, particularly in relation to near-death and mystical experiences. The review notes that Strassman, a medical school professor, presents his pioneering studies administering DMT to volunteers, exploring the biology and phenomenology of profound altered states. The book argues that DMT may provide insights into the nature of consciousness and spiritual experiences, linking biochemistry to subjective phenomena.
Journal of Near-Death Studies
September 1, 2001
H. Knoblauch, Ina Schmied, Bernt Schnettler
A representative survey in Germany, the first of its kind in Europe, found that near-death experiences (NDEs) are more diverse than previously thought. Among more than 2,000 respondents, 4 percent reported having an NDE. The patterns of these experiences did not match earlier findings: they varied widely and were influenced by cultural factors, especially religious interpretations and differences between post-socialist East Germany and West Germany. This challenges the assumptions that NDEs follow a unified pattern, are universal across cultures, and are necessarily linked to clinical death.
Journal of Near-Death Studies
September 1, 2001
A. Kellehear
A case report describes a Hawaiian near-death experience (NDE) from the early 1900s, found in a 1907 monograph of Hawaiian folk tales. The account appears to be a real-life experience rather than a folk tale. The report compares this NDE to other Pacific area accounts, especially the only other known Polynesian NDE, a Maori NDE reported by Michael King in 1985, noting similarities and differences.
Journal of Near-Death Studies
March 1, 2001
L. Bailey
In Tibetan culture, a phenomenon similar to near-death experiences has been identified, distinct from the Tibetan Book of the Dead. Anthropologists have documented accounts of contemporary and historical individuals called delogs, who appear dead for hours or days, then spontaneously revive and recount detailed journeys through otherworldly Buddhist landscapes. Their narratives emphasize moral and spiritual teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. These delogs serve as a bridge between modern near-death experiences and ancient shamanic practices.
Journal of Near-Death Studies
March 1, 1997
K. Jansen
Ketamine can reproduce near-death experiences (NDEs) by blocking NMDA receptors for the neurotransmitter glutamate in the brain. Conditions that trigger NDEs—such as hypoxia, ischemia, hypoglycemia, and temporal lobe epilepsy—release a surge of glutamate that overactivates NMDA receptors, causing neurotoxicity. Ketamine prevents this neurotoxicity. The brain contains substances that bind to the same receptor site as ketamine. Conditions causing a glutamate flood may also release neuroprotective agents that bind to NMDA receptors, protecting cells and inducing an altered state of consciousness similar to that produced by ketamine.
Journal of Near-Death Studies
March 1, 1997
R. Strassman
This commentary expands on Karl Jansen's ketamine model of the near-death experience, raising questions about self-experimentation as data, ketamine's similarities to and differences from classical hallucinogens, and the need to quantify unusual subjective states. It discusses clinical and toxicological implications, drugs as gateways to religious states, and the evolutionary versus religious significance of naturally occurring compounds in near-death states. The author proposes future research directions to clarify these areas, suggesting that further investigation could help explicate the model's various aspects.
Journal of Near-Death Studies
January 1, 1996
K. Ring
A frightening type of near-death experience (NDE) called the "meaningless void," where a person feels existence is an illusion or cruel joke and nothing has inherent meaning, is more common after anesthetic use and among women. Evidence from medical studies of reactions to nitrous oxide supports both patterns. The author argues this experience, despite feeling real and having lasting effects, is best understood as a drug-triggered emergence reaction rather than a genuine NDE.
Journal of Near-Death Studies
September 1, 1992
J. Arnette
The mind/body problem can be examined through near-death experiences (NDEs), which provide empirical data. Monism—the idea that the mind is merely brain function—receives little support from NDE evidence, while dualism—the view that mind and body are separate—is consistent with existing NDE research. Comparing details of NDEs with predictions from theoretical cosmology reveals strong similarities, further strengthening the case for dualism. A theory of human nature is proposed that incorporates these parallels.
Journal of Near-Death Studies
January 1, 1989
J. Holden
A study of visual perception during the naturalistic near-death out-of-body experience (nND OBE) produced findings that contradicted or augmented previous research. Most respondents could estimate the duration of the nND OBE; a sizable proportion reported a delay in recalling the experience; and the vast majority were receptive to subsequent verification of their perceptions. Each finding is discussed relative to prior work and the study's limitations.
Journal of Near-Death Studies
December 1, 1988
R. D. Newsome
Near-death experiencers often report lasting shifts toward greater compassion, unconditional love, spirituality, and a sense of mission, alongside reduced materialism and competitiveness. Some researchers propose these changes represent a new stage in human evolution capable of producing major social change, but evidence has relied on subjective reports. This study examined three near-death experiencers using standardized measures of moral, ego, and faith development alongside qualitative data. The results suggest that existing instruments, designed to measure ordinary self-development, may not capture the transpersonal awakening that follows a near-death experience.
Journal of Near-Death Studies
January 1, 1987
J. Wren-Lewis
A person recounts a near-death experience from poisoning in 1983 whose features contradicted their prior beliefs and background, arguing that this mismatch challenges reductionist explanations of such experiences. The account describes how the resulting new consciousness is shaped by life circumstances and how it practically improves the quality of living.
Journal of Near-Death Studies
January 1, 1984
D. Rogo
Out-of-body experiences (OBEs) are presented as a common human phenomenon that cannot be reduced to psychopathology or mental imagery. The authors also discuss the possibility that individuals having an OBE may be detectable outside their physical body.
Journal of Near-Death Studies
December 1, 1983
N. Bush
Near-death experiences (NDEs) in children closely resemble those reported by adults, suggesting that cultural conditioning does not primarily shape their content. A review of seventeen accounts, including two from very young children, found that the core features of NDEs—such as feelings of peace, seeing a light, or encountering beings—appear early in life, before extensive cultural or religious learning has occurred. This finding challenges the argument that NDEs are merely culturally conditioned responses to a life crisis.
Journal of Near-Death Studies
June 1, 1983
F. G. Greene
A review of out-of-body and near-death experience reports identifies a rare phenomenon termed the 'multiple-body/split-consciousness' effect, in which individuals describe simultaneously occupying several bodies at different locations, sometimes alongside a sense of disembodiment. The paper analyzes this effect from neurological and topological perspectives.
Journal of Near-Death Studies
June 1, 1983
M. Grosso
Near-death experiences (NDEs) may be understood through the Jungian concept of archetypes, specifically a proposed archetype of death and enlightenment (ADE) associated with rebirth. The paper outlines the general function of the ADE and reviews evidence for its psychic manifestations.