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In the recent decade altered states of consciousness has developed as an interesting area of research. Altered states of consciousness is change observed in an individual’s mental state that occurs due to head injury, accident, meditation, drugs and trauma. Near-death experience is one of the intriguing altered states of consciousness. They are a type of psychic experience usually taking place during life threatening situations. Although the experience of NDE is triggered during a heart attack or verge of drowning, it has been regarded as a pleasant experience which is both peaceful as well as pain free. According to research by Bruce Greyson the near-death experience largely is influenced by an individual’s cultural and religious experiences.
There are several common traits or elements of near-death experience that include:
- The tunnel experience consists of a feeling of moving towards the light or entering the darkness through some passageway.
- Perceiving deceased loved ones and a possibility to reunite with them.
- A sense of acceptance, unconditional love and euphoric environment.
- The awareness or feeling of being dead.
- A perception of one’s body outside one’s being. This is referred to as out of body experience.
- Ability to observe one’s life review which highlights the total or important moments of their past.
There are different stages of near-death experiences laid out by different researchers. Some of the classifications are as follows:
The developmental stages of near -death experience was given by Noyes in 1972 which included:
- Resistance which is terminated by surrender and entering into tranquility.
- Review which includes out of body experience as well as panoramic memory experiences.
- Transcendence which involves a non-temporal dimension of existence.
Saborn (1982), classified near-death experience into three stages:
- Autoscopic experience which includes visualizing oneself from a separate position.
- Transcendental experience which includes entering into a realm or spiritual dimension.
- Combined experience which has a combination of features of above two stages.
Psychological explanation of Near-death experience emphasizes the ‘expectation hypothesis’. This phenomenon attempts to explain the entire experience to be based on certain expectations of individuals regarding after-life. This is the sole reason people experience life review and possibility to reunite with deceased loved ones. Other psychological factors include depersonalization where there is an extreme form of detachment experienced along with a sense of unreality. This usually occurs due to intense stressful situations. Dissociation is considered as another significant factor which is a type of defence mechanism adopted as a method to deal with threatening life circumstances. It majorly involves a disruption of identity, memory and consciousness. Another common explanation revolves around the concept of false memories. This occurs as a result of confusion where the mind tries to fill up the gap after a period of unconsciousness. False memories are created unintentionally by the brain and self to provide an explanation and make sense of the event experienced.
Neurobiological hypotheses on the other hand highlight the imbalance of brain chemicals which plays a role in producing experiences related to near-death. Some authors have suggested that altered blood gas levels produce hallucinations related to tunnel vision and bright lights (Blackmore, 1996). An abnormal electrical activity which includes interference in Rapid-Eye Movement and epilepsy in the limbic system and temporal lobes have been said to explain memory flashback (Nelson et al.,2006). Another physiological explanation is influence of drugs like hallucinogens which causes imbalance of the neurotransmitter serotonin as a result of which people enter a state where their realities are distorted. It can also produce delirium in some individuals.
The negative effects of near-death experience are that such experience might clash with the individual’s previously held notions. The individuals can also feel alienated as well as doubt their level of sanity due to the confusion. It has been found that people revolting against their lifestyle and values post near-death experience may lead to hampering interpersonal relationships along with an inability to function in one’s community. Near-death experience also leads to multiple positive effects such as increased appreciation of life, other people and nature as a whole. Reduced level of death anxiety has also been observed along with decreased concern with social status and possessions. It has also helped improve symptoms of depressed patients as well as recovered addicts. Other effects include increased sense of self-worth, pro ecological behaviour and enhanced psychological well-being.
Consciousness in humans is an essential part of one’s awareness of oneself and its surrounding environment. When consciousness is altered with death like experiences it blurs one’s reality and ends up being largely a unique subjective experience. This is one of the common reasons because of which it becomes challenging to investigate it to its absolute root. However, it can be said with certainty that the phenomenon of near-death experience brings about plenty of improvements in an individual’s frame of mind, attitudes and personality. It deepens the desire to serve others, recognize a zest for living in the present and an overall greater appreciation of nature.
– Urveez Kakalia & Debanjana Banerjee.