The out-of-body experience: a phenomenological typology based on questionnaire responses
American Journal of Psychiatry April 1, 1982 DOI: 10.1176/ajp.139.4.450 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractOut-of-body experiences (OBEs) are reported by a minority of people. Drawing on questionnaire data from 339 individuals who had OBEs and 81 who had not, the authors describe the circumstances, sensory features, and lasting effects of these events. They also discuss possible causes and the personal significance of OBEs for those who undergo them.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 420 |
| Population | Respondents to questionnaires who reported having had out-of-body experiences and those who had not |
| Citations | 70 |
| Key finding | The authors analyze the conditions, phenomenological features, and impact of out-of-body experiences from survey data. |
Abstract
The authors review the few surveys that have been made of the incidence of out-of-body experiences. They then present data on 339 respondents to questionnaires who reported having had out-of-body experiences and 81 who had not. They analyze these data according to the conditions existing at the time of the experience, phenomenological features, and the long- and short-term impact of the experience. Finally, they raise questions about the etiology of out-of-body phenomena and their meaning to individuals who have such experiences.