Psychic phenomena following near-death experiences: An Australian study

Abstract

This study examines the incidence of reports of psychic phe nomena and associated beliefs both before and after the near-death experience (NDE). The near-death experiencers interviewed reported no more psychic phenomena before the NDE than the general population. There was a statis tically significant increase following the NDE in the incidence of 14 of 15 items examined.The near-death experience (NDE) occurs when a person is on the brink of death, or in some cases actually clinically dead, and yet survives to recount an intense, profoundly meaningful experience. Although there have been a number of studies conducted in other countries, to date there has been no detailed empirical study of the phenomenon in Australia.In 1980

Changes in religious beliefs, attitudes, and practices following near-death experiences: An Australian study

“…With regard to belief in reincarnation and in life after death, as I noted elsewhere (Sutherland, 1989) the numbers tend to obscure the actual complexity of these beliefs. Those 41 percent who believed in reincarnation before the NDE believed in it only "a bit," whereas the 78 percent who believed in it afterwards tended to be more convinced.…”

“I’m not afraid to die”: the loss of the fear of death after a near-death experience

“…The seeing, hearing or sensing of spiritual beings is a core feature of NDEs, described by approximately 50% of NDErs (Greyson, 2003b;Greyson & Stevenson, 1980;Kelly, 2001;Schwaninger et al, 2002;Sutherland, 1989). Spiritual beings encountered are often deceased relatives, friends, religious or holy figures or what is understood to be a spirit guide -a benevolent figure the NDEr does not recognise, yet inherently understands is intimately concerned with their welfare.…”

The omega project: An empirical study of the NDE-prone personality

“…We know, of course, that NDEs appear to stimulate the development of psychic awareness (Greyson, 1983;Kohr, 1983;Ring, 1984;Grey, 1985;Atwater, 1988;Sutherland, 1990), but whether NDErs are psychically inclined to begin with has remained unclear (Kohr, 1983;Sutherland, 1990). Accordingly, one of the aims of the Omega Project is to assess the degree to which NDErs were, as children, already more open to the realm of paranormal experiences.…”

“…Need less to say, there has already been a fair amount of research document ing some of the aftereffects of NDEs (Ring, 1984;Grey, 1985;Flynn, 1986;Atwater, 1988;Pennachio, 1988;Sutherland, 1990), but much of it has suffered from a lack of statistical rigor. The Omega Project, in consequence, was designed to provide a more solid statistical basis for assessing NDE aftereffects.…”