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The phenomenology of near-death experiences

Greyson, Bruce & Stevenson, Ian (1980)

Published
Oct 1, 1980
Journal
American Journal of Psychiatry · Vol. 137 · No. 10
DOI
10.1176/ajp.137.10.1193

At a GlanceAI

Early psychiatric study of 78 NDE reports: culture, psychology and stress explain some features, but not all.

SummaryAI

Greyson and Stevenson retrospectively analysed 78 near-death experience reports using narratives, questionnaires, interviews and medical records. Experiencers reported prior experiences suggestive of transcending death more often than control populations, but fewer prior extrasensory experiences. Attitude changes afterwards were common. The authors conclude that cultural and psychological factors, sensory deprivation and adaptive stress responses explain some but not all features of NDEs.

Method SnapshotAI

Retrospective case series with questionnaires, interviews and record review.

BackgroundAI

None.

Expert Review: The phenomenology of near-death experiences | Marginalia