Multiple mind/body perspectives and the out-of-body experience

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

"This study reviews and analyzes evidence for a rare but persistently reported facet of out-of-body experience (OBE)/near-death experience (NDE) phenomenology designated the "multiple-body/split-consciousness" effect. Those who experience this effect describe the sensation of possessing and in some instances simultaneously occupying a multiple number of "bodies" at varying locations, sometimes in conjunction with the sense of being disembodied" (abstract). The paper also analyzes this phenomenon from a neurological perspective and the mathematical branch called topology.