TY - JOUR

T1 - The evolving self : finding meaning in near-death experiences using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

AU - Wilde, David J.

AU - Murray, Craig D.

N1 - The final, definitive version of this article has been published in the Journal, Mental Health, Religion and Culture, 12 (3), 2009, © Informa Plc

PY - 2009/4

Y1 - 2009/4

N2 - Objectives: A variety of anomalous experiences have been reported in the research literature as enhancing, rather than indicating poor mental health. The out-of-body experience (OBE), where the person’s self and body are phenomenologically separate, is a relatively common anomalous experience. The aim of this study was to investigate the experience of an OBE and its resultant after-effects. Design: An idiographic, phenomenological, qualitative approach was adopted. Methods: Three participants took part in recorded face-to-face, semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: IPA found experients perceived their OBEs as occurring at times of personal significance. They were inextricably linked with participants’ lives beyond their point of occurrence and played an adaptive role in response to difficult life events. The process of integration was helped or hindered by the varying reactions from others to the disclosure of the OBE. Conclusions: The idiographic nature of this study was instrumental in highlighting the subtle personal and social factors that influenced how the OBE was managed and integrated.

AB - Objectives: A variety of anomalous experiences have been reported in the research literature as enhancing, rather than indicating poor mental health. The out-of-body experience (OBE), where the person’s self and body are phenomenologically separate, is a relatively common anomalous experience. The aim of this study was to investigate the experience of an OBE and its resultant after-effects. Design: An idiographic, phenomenological, qualitative approach was adopted. Methods: Three participants took part in recorded face-to-face, semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: IPA found experients perceived their OBEs as occurring at times of personal significance. They were inextricably linked with participants’ lives beyond their point of occurrence and played an adaptive role in response to difficult life events. The process of integration was helped or hindered by the varying reactions from others to the disclosure of the OBE. Conclusions: The idiographic nature of this study was instrumental in highlighting the subtle personal and social factors that influenced how the OBE was managed and integrated.

KW - Near-death experience

KW - qualitative methodology

KW - interpretive phenomenological analysis

U2 - 10.1080/13674670802334910

DO - 10.1080/13674670802334910

M3 - Journal article

VL - 12

SP - 223

EP - 239

JO - Mental Health, Religion and Culture

JF - Mental Health, Religion and Culture

SN - 1367-4676

IS - 3

ER -