Near-Death Experiences: An Overview of 40 Years of Research
Janice M. Holden
Even before 1975 when physician Raymond Moody’s book Life After Life formally opened the field of near-death studies, people throughout history and across cultures who had survived close brushes with death had sometimes reported altered consciousness during periods of time they would have been expected to be either normally conscious or unconscious: near-death experiences (NDEs). In this presenta
tion, Dr. Holden will summarize the findings of over 40 years of research into NDEs, including their circumstances, contents, and aftereffects; cross-cultural occurrence; and the characteristics of experiencers (NDErs). Although most NDErs are adamant that their NDEs were subjectively real or hyper-real—more real than the quality of everyday waking consciousness—Dr. Holden will also address evidence pointing to the objective reality of these experiences and the implications of this evidence for an understanding of the relationship between brain and mind. She will conclude by addressing implications of NDE research findings for NDErs themselves; for family members, friends, and acquaintances of NDErs; and for healthcare providers who care for NDErs and educators in a variety of fields, including Emergency Medical Services, lifeguards, first responders, swimming instructors, nurses, fire fighters, and the police force.
Citation: Holden, J. (2017). Near-Death Experiences: An Overview of 40 Years of Research. In: Avramidis, S. (Ed.). Conference on Near-Death Experiences while Drowning (p. 12). Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA: International Swimming Hall of Fame.
