Assessing psychologists' knowledge and attitudes toward near-death phenomena.
Barbara A. Walker, Robert D. Russell
The Journal of near-death studies 1989 DOI: 10.17514/jnds-1989-8-2-p103-110. (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 117 |
| Population | Randomly selected Illinois psychologists |
| Measures | Near-Death Phenomena Knowledge and Attitudes Questionnaire |
| Citations | 5 |
| Key findings | Among 117 Illinois psychologists surveyed, knowledge of near-death phenomena was moderate (mean 7.5 of 18), with most familiarity for peace, out-of-body transcendence, and tunnel/light elements, while attitudes averaged 61.3 of a possible 85. Seven percent reported a personal near-death experience, 19% had counseled near-death experiencers, and 28% reported personal contact with an experiencer. |
Abstract
Nina Thornburg's (1988) Near-Death Phenomena Knowledge and Attitudes Questionnaire was distributed to 326 randomly selected Illinois psychologists. Of 117 usable questionnaires received, the mean score for knowledge questions was 7.5 of a maximum score of 18. Respondents were most knowledgeable about near-death elements of peace, out-of-body transcendence, and tunnel/light phenomena. The mean score for the attitude portion of the instrument was 61.3 of a maximum score of 85 points for the most positive attitude. Seven percent of the respondents indicated having had a near-death experience, 19% indicated having counseling near-death experiencers, and 28% indicated having had personal contacts with an experiencer.