Abstract
A look at the phenomenon of near-death experiences (NDEs) and how they are perceived by the scientific community, with arguments for and against scientific explanations of such occurrences.

From the Paper
"The scientific aspects surrounding the near-death experience are more obscure than the popular accounts and non-substantial definitions of them. Researcher Charles T. Tart says that science can actually help to further our knowledge of the NDE if more people would attempt to embrace the application of scientific ideas in studying its occurrence. He says: ".many people react negatively to the idea of scientific investigation of NDEs, but genuine science can contribute a great deal to understanding NDEs and helping experiencers integrate their experiences with everyday life"(Tart, 1997). The factors surrounding the near-death experience have been researched by a number of scientists, and a number of facts, similarities, and correlations have been discovered surrounding this very difficult, largely undocumented phenomena. "

Tags:nde, psychology

Abstract
This paper explains that a complex scale was developed by Bruce Greyson in 1983 to authenticate and standardize near death experiences (NDE) reported by an individual, thus facilitating research. Next the, author reviews the neurobiological view, which is the most common NDE model that includes REM intrusion, hypoxia/ischemia and temporal lobe activity theories, the psychological approach that deals with dissociation and the spiritual category including transcendental awareness. The paper concludes that there is no irrefutable proof that these theories exist; therefore, the cause and existence of NDEs will remain unsolved and a matter of personal belief.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
The NDE Scale
Theories of NDE
Neurobiological
Psychological
Spiritual
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The second neurobiological theory relates to hypoxia and ischemia. Hypoxia is defined as the lack of oxygen to a part or all of the body. Ischemia is defined as the lack of blood flow to a part or all of the body. When a person dies, the heart and lungs stop working. In a near-death experience, this is often the case for a short period of time. During this "death period", no blood or oxygen gets to the brain resulting in hypoxia and ischemia. It is believed that such a state can produce "limbic neuronal depolarization and discharge and endogenous discharge of neurotransmitters" . The most vulnerable part of the brain to hypoxia is the hippocampus. From studies done on rats, it is believed that hypoxia creates an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory synaptic firing in the hippocampus experiences. The balance is thought to be altered when NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors are activated by an excitatory amino acid released during stress. Acetylcholine levels in the brain also decrease which can be associated with hallucinations and delirium .
"The final neurobiological theory is temporal lobe activity. The temporal lobe of the brain is known to control auditory perception, processing of visual and speech semantics, visual processing, and transference of information of memory from short term to long term. Temporal lobe epilepsy is a type of epilepsy in which seizures affect the temporal lobe and limbic structures."

Tags:out-of-body questionnaire euphoric, altered state of consciousness, parapsychology

Abstract
This paper examines various supernatural or paranormal experiences that individuals claim to have as they approach death or following revival from clinical death. Various attempts are made to explain the near death experience (NDE) from a scientific approach. The paper continues by defining a NDE , further showing how most NDEs are very similar to one another but citing the differences, as well. The elements most commonly reported in a near death experience are listed. This is followed by various outlooks regarding NDE's, or more specifically a scientific approach versus a spiritual or religious approach. How an individual changes emotionally and following the NDE is also discussed,as well as the importance of having supportive medical professionals following the experience. Because of the highly charged emotional aspect of NDE's, the paper calls for their further study, but from a religious and spiritual perspective. The paper concludes by stating that that the study of NDE's will continue and the issue will never be completely resolved to the satisfaction of all of the people involved in the discussion.

TOC:
Introduction
Review of Literature
Findings
Discussion
Summary and Conclusions

From the Paper
"In order to address this issue thoroughly, there are several areas that have to be looked at. The medical theories and explanations for these are important, because they can shed light on whether these things are really 'the beyond' or whether they are tricks of the mind. Alternative explanations and 'look-a-likes' for these experiences also have to be discussed. In addition, case studies that involve both children and adults and their experiences should be examined, as should the demographic, cross-cultural, and religious concerns that surround karma, reincarnation, and the near death experience."

Tags:near death experience, out of body experience, spirituality

Abstract
The research aims to persuade skeptics of the validity of the near-death experience (NDE), both as a phenomenon distinct from out-of-body experience (OBE) and as a genuine vision of the afterlife. It discusses how skeptics refuse to accept NDEs due to the fact that they have difficulty in accepting the paranormal in the first place. Following the attempt to persuade skeptics that NDEs are a distinct phenomenon, unrelated to either dying brain hallucinations or OBEs, the research attempts to sway them towards the belief that NDEs are nothing short of visions of the afterlife and invaluable proof of life beyond death.

From the Paper
"In an era where moon landings and space exploration have become common activities, exploration into that which lies beyond death appear impossible. Muslims, Christians and Jews believe that they know the answer which is given to them in their holy books, and argue that the Day of Judgment lies beyond death, followed by an eternity in Heaven or Hell. Atheists argue that death is final and that nothing lies beyond it. Hindus and Buddhists believe in a never-ending circle of reincarnation, whereby death is perceived as the first step towards rebirth in a different form. Whatever the answer that people may have, and the degree of conviction that they hold in their specific theory to what lies beyond death, the fact remains that we simply do not have the answer. Certainly, the Bible, the Torah and the Koran do inform us to some degree of the nature of life beyond death but these accounts are open to interpretation as none can claim to truly and fully comprehend the word of God. Therefore, even those of us who believe in life after death and the Day of Judgment, have countless questions such as whether or not we are conscious in death, or if we feel fear, meet dead relatives and enter into this different zone, or even if we are aware of the living. Basically, there are opinions rather than clear-cut answers to these questions as, despite the great strides that mankind has made in scientific and technological development, and their success in answering many of the mysteries of life, science and technology have utterly failed in providing clear evidence of what lies beyond death."

Tags:after, life, death

Abstract
This paper focuses on the phenomenon of near death experiences, including its history, psychological theories, and research findings. The paper's definition of a near death experience is when someone dies clinically, but does not remain that way; instead, the heart starts to beat again, the lungs start to function, and the person remains in existence on this planet. After examining various psychological theories and research findings, the paper concludes that near-death experiences constitute an anomalous area of research that continues to fascinate us.

Outline:
Historical Perspectives and Psychology - The Work of John Haught
NDE Research and Study Findings
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"Doctors and others have said that the white light people say they see when they die is merely the brain activity shutting down, and is no proof that all that that person was headed to Heaven (Ring & Cooper, 1999). This may be true, but while it cannot be proven that the person saw the bright light of Heaven, the doctors can also not prove that it was the brain's response to death. This leaves many people stuck between what they can prove and what they believe. This can be a very difficult place to be stuck because it causes a conundrum (Ring & Cooper, 1999). Their heart tells them that belief is enough, but their mind tells them that they have no proof so they must not believe. Only a few people manage to come to terms with this completely and totally, and accept either one or the other of these paths. If they stick with the lack of proof they are often called atheists. If they deal only with belief, many others think that they are just a little too religious, and that they need to live 'in the real world' with the rest of society (Ring & Cooper, 1999)."

Tags:NDE, tunnel, light

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the topic of near-death experiences. Specifically, the paper discusses the reality of near-death experiences and whether they exist or not. The paper explores how stories about near-death experiences (NDE) have become almost commonplace in our modern culture. The paper further examines how many studies into this phenomenon have occurred and many of them explain near-death experiences as the body's reaction to tremendous stress. The paper discusses how there is much debate about whether they actually exist, concluding that whether they exist or not, to those experiencing NDEs, they are very real.

From the Paper
"The first real written study of near-death experiences occurred in 1926 by Englishman Sir William Barrett. He compiled many experiences he and his wife (both doctors) had seen with patients during their last moments of life. Two researchers note, "Barrett found that in their visions the dying see dead persons who have come to take them away to a heavenly abode. He also found that such visions often occur when the mind of the patient is clear and rational, and that they sometimes portray what the dying do not expect" (Osis & Haraldsson, 1997, p. 18)."

Tags:self-image, bright, light, memory, Ron, Siegel, simulate, Higher, Being

Abstract
This paper discusses near death experiences, providing some historical background and literature on the subject, particularly from S. Blackmore who analyzed some of the most famous and ancient near death stories, many of which are fictional but according to the author still relevant to the discussion, as they do tend to follow a particular pattern.

Outline:
NDI Definition
Historical Perspectives
Studies/Research/Literature Review
Difficulties & Limitations of Conducting NDE studies; Reliability & Validity Medical Theories (Biological/Physiological Causes)
Psychological Theories (Psychodynamics, Jung, Parapsychology, Object-Relations etc.
Alternative Explanations ("Scientific Naysayers" - Atwater)
Near-Death Look-a-Likes (e.g., NDE vs. MPD;
Various Types of Experiences (Children vs. Adults) - based on case studies
Demographic, Cross-Cultural (e.g., African American, Mapuche, Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, Native American, Australia, Euro-American, etc.), and Religious Factors
Meanings & Aftereffects (Psychological & Physiological)
Mental Health Professionals' Attitudes and Knowledge
Commonly reported patient expectations of mental health clinicians
Clinical Dilemma
Clinical Implications & Interventions

From the Paper
"From this inquiry has come analysis of historical literature, regarding near death stories. Blackmore in 1993 offers a brief but effective analysis of some of the most famous and ancient of near death stories, many of which are fictional but according to the author still relevant to the discussion, as they do tend to follow a particular pattern, that is significantly influenced by context and theology but that is also patterned much like the Moody timeline. Blackmore's first example is Plato's famous story of return from death found in the Republic. (Blackmore, 1993, p. 8)"

Tags:cultural, perspective, research

Abstract
This paper discusses the medical theories and explanations for near death experiences including alternative explanations and 'look-a-likes'. In addition, case studies that involve both children and adults and their experiences are also examined, as are demographic, cross-cultural, and religious concerns. Also looked at in the paper are the aftereffects and meanings of these experiences, the attitudes and knowledge of mental health professionals, the patient expectations of clinicians in this regard, the clinical dilemmas that can be faced, and the clinical implications and interventions that are involved with the NDE.

Outline:
Introduction
Medical Theories and Explanations of NDE
The Definition and Components - Scientific Naysayers
Various Types of Experiences
Demographic, Cross-Cultural, and Religious Factors
Meanings and Aftereffects
Mental Health Professionals Attitudes and Knowledge
Commonly Reported Patient Expectations of Clinicians
Clinical Dilemmas, Clinical Implications, and Interventions
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Doctors and many other clinicians have made the statement that the white light that many people see when they are dying is only the activity of a dying brain trying to process information and is not proof that the person was going to heaven (Ring & Cooper, 1999). This may in fact be true, but while it certainly cannot be proven that a person saw the bright light of heaven, it also cannot be medical proven that it was not. This leaves a lot of people virtually stuck between what they believe and what what are actually able to prove. This gives them a serious conundrum and can be a very difficult place for them to be (Ring & Cooper, 1999). The idea of an NDE can be frightening and confusing, and it can also be beautiful, depending on the person and on what he or she sees. "

Tags:Scientific, Naysayers, brain, religion

Abstract
The paper looks at how in the story, "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" by Ambrose Bierce, the narrator tells the story of Peyton Farquhar who was a Southerner farmer who was enticed to take action to help the South, but he was caught and given the death penalty by the Northern army. The paper outlines how Bierce describes what happens to Farquhar with a description of the hanging and how he relates what Farguhar was thinking about the moment before death.

From the Paper
"Imagine a man or woman who faces capital punishment and how they must feel the moment just before death. In fact, imagine any man or woman that faces death. How does the person feel the moment that he or she takes his or her last breath? Different people have reported out of the body experiences. Some people have written about going to heaven when they died and were saved from death. In the story, "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" by Ambrose Bierce, the narrator tells the story of Peyton Farquhar who was a Southerner farmer who was enticed to take action to help the South, but he was caught and given the death penalty by the Northern army. Bierce tells..."

Tags:death, execution, visions

Abstract
The writer of this paper contends that while it's impossible to prove whether life after death in fact exists, one must be willing to consider the speculative information that's available. This paper explores the scientific, religious and spiritual aspects as to what occurs after death. The writer examines reported cases of near-death experiences, as well as reincarnation, in which individuals remember previous lives. The majority of reported incidents regarding reincarnation have occurred in children in South Asia, where Hindu and Buddhist thought popularizes the concept of reincarnation. This paper also discusses the issue of the "light" which many claim to have seen immediately following a near-death experience. This paper examines expert scientific research which supplies reasonable explanations into near-death experiences. This paper also details the various types of out of body experiences which include: Seeing a dark tunnel, feelings of peace and quiet as well as meeting others who have previously passed away.

From the Paper
"Although psychics, parapsychologists and others have long known about the out-of-body experience, frequently called "separation",1 the greater scientific community has not accepted it as a normal phenomenon occurring under even bizarre conditions, nor is the average person generally familiar with it. However, it seems to be the key to unraveling the mystery about what happens after death. In other words, if we can prove that some aspect of the self, soul, or consciousness can leave the body under certain circumstances, the question arises: where does it go if not into the next dimension - notably the spirit world. A separation is completely unlike daydreaming, dreaming, or sleep. It is also unlike hallucinating, undergoing a trance, or the hypnotic state."

Tags:science, spirituality, medical, religion, buddhism, hindu