Book Description:
In recent years there has been a surge of scientific interest in the related phenomena of out-of-body (OBEs) and near-death experiences (NDEs). These experiences are altered states of consciousness in which the person may feel that their consciousness has become separated from the confines of their physical bodies. They may occur at mundane times, such as when on the verge of going to or waking from sleep, or at times of increased stress, such as during potentially life-threatening situations, or even when having been clinically dead and revived. These experiences have similar, recurring phenomenological features and cultural motifs. Both forms of experience may be characterised by lucid thinking, a belief that such experiences are 'real' or veridical, and may involve the observance of the physical body, others and the surrounding environment from a disembodied point of view. Both OBEs and NDEs may be accompanied by profound personality changes. the NDE in particular, which is characterised by seemingly real encounters with spiritual beings and deceased persons, being interpreted by those having the experiences as a spiritual one which leads to changes in their world view. Since past research, there has been growing academic interest over the years to help explain the mechanism for and content of these experiences.
This book brings together the most up-to-date research within the psychological sciences on these topics in one authoritative, accessible text. From developments in understanding brain function to research methodologies which probe the phenomenological depths of these experience, this book offers a timely summary of the work of leading experts on these phenomena.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments

Introduction: Introduction to Psychological Scientific Perspectives on Out-of-body and Near-death Experiences
(Craig Murray)

CHAPTER 1. Early and Modern Developments in the Psychological Approach to Out-Of-Body Experiences pp.1-22
(Carlos S. Alvarado, University of Virginia; Institute of Transpersonal Psychology)

CHAPTER 2. A psychological theory of the out-of-body experience pp.23-36
(Susan J. Blackmore)

CHAPTER 3. The disembodied self: An empirical study of dissociation and the out-of-body experience pp.37-52
(Harvey J. Irwin, University of New England in Australia)

CHAPTER 4. Psychological Theories of the OBE Under Scrutiny: pp.53-72 (Commentaries on Blackmore and Harvey J. Irwin)

CHAPTER 5. Understanding the Out-Of-Body Experience from a Neuroscientific Perspective pp.73-88
(Jane E. Aspell and Olaf Blanke, Brain Mind Institute of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, Switzerland)

CHAPTER 6. Out-of-Body Experiences in the Context of Hypnosis: Phenomenology, Methodology, and Neurophysiology. pp.89-104
(Devin Blair Terhune and Etzel Cardeña, Lund University, Sweden )

CHAPTER 7. Managing Anomalous Experience: Meaning Making and the OBE pp.105-116
(Craig D. Murray; David J. Wilde, University of Manchester, UK and Joanne Murray)

CHAPTER 8. Prevalence, Phenomenology and Biopsychosocial Aspects of the Near-Death Experience pp.117-128
(John Belanti,Australia; Karuppiah Jagadheesan, Australia and Mahendra Perera, Albert Road Clinic, Melbourne, Australia)

CHAPTER 9. Near-Death Experiences, Out-of-body Experiences and Social Scientific Paradigms pp.129-144
(James McClenon, Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center)

CHAPTER 10. The ‘Urashima Effect’: A cultural illusion? A Japanese Perspective on Death, Life and the Near-Death Experiences. pp.145-158
(Ornella Corazza, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London)

CHAPTER 11. Out-of-body and Near-Death Experiences as Evidence for Externalization or Survival pp.159-170
(John Palmer, Rhine Research Center)

CHAPTER 12. Endless Consciousness: A Concept Based on Scientific Studies on Near-Death Experience pp.171-186
(Pim van Lommel, Hospital Rijnstate, Arnhem, the Netherlands)

CHAPTER 13. Near-Death Experiences and the Brain pp.187-204
(Christopher C. French, Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit in the Psychology Department at Goldsmiths)

CHAPTER 14. Finding Meaning in Near-death Experiences pp.205-220
(Craig D. Murray, David J. Wilde and Joanne Murray)

NOTES ON CONTRIBUTORS
Index