Investigating the Nature and Psychological Impact of Out-of-Body Experiences

Bartlett, Ross (2025) Investigating the Nature and Psychological Impact of Out-of-Body Experiences. Doctoral thesis, Buckinghamshire New University (Awarded by University of Staffordshire).

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Abstract

A review of the literature investigating out-of-body experiences (OBE) identified a series of missing fundamental questions. Broadly, these are: (1) How can OBE experiences be explained across a diverse set of induction states and what are the accompanying foundational neurological mechanisms?; (2) What differentiates people who experience an OBE from those who do not?; (3) Why would a person, in a certain physiological state, have an OBE one day and not the next? In addressing the three questions, primarily drawing on contemporary neurobiological research, it led to the development of a novel neuropsychological theory for induction and formation. The theory was also influenced, in part by the research into the mechanisms resulting from the ingestion of psychotropic substances (including ayahuasca, a traditional psychoactive plant medicine brew made from several ingredients with the Amazon basin). An extensive (136-question) online survey was undertaken which provided a much-needed general evaluation of the experience type. It also provided data, from 213 respondents, to explore hypotheses based on the aforementioned theory and investigate whether specific hallucinatory phenomena are associated with psychological outcomes. The survey analysis revealed statistical validation for the hypotheses, indicating OBE formation is influenced by induction state, eyelid position, body position, intention, level of selfperceived spirituality, whether having suffered with anxiety and depression, and chronic hallucinations. The survey also highlighted key components all associated with psychological outcomes: hallucinatory phenomena of seeing lights around or at a distance, the ability to see 360 degrees, feeling an expansion of consciousness or non-physical body, seeing, or feeling the presence of spiritual entities or beings, or unknown non-physical beings, and feeling the presence of a deceased loved one or pet. A further study explored how OBE phenomena are causing psychological change. This was via qualitative interviews with seven individuals whose OBEs occurred during the consumption of ayahuasca within a ritualistic setting in Peru. Using Moustakas’ (1994) transcendental phenomenological model of analysis, the interviews revealed deeper understandings regarding what can occur within the phenomenological process to bring about psychological changes through revealing structural relationships between the outcomes, experience of metaphysical entities, dissociation from physical body, and self-identity. The findings are drawn together, and their implications are discussed, along with methodological and conceptual considerations.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Keywords:	Out-of-Body, Dissociation, Near-Death, Transpersonal, Paranormal
Depositing User:	RED Unit Admin
Date Deposited:	01 Apr 2025 12:06
Last Modified:	02 Apr 2025 07:59
URI:	https://bnu.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/19829

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