Toward a psychological explanation of near-death experiences: A response to Dr. Grosso's paper.
The Journal of near-death studies January 1, 1981 DOI: 10.17514/jnds-1981-1-2-p88-103. via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractNear-death experiences (NDEs) cannot be fully explained by reductionistic hypotheses. A case is made for psychological and psychodynamic interpretations of NDEs, arguing that these approaches should not be prematurely rejected. The paper restates the value of considering psychological frameworks alongside other explanations.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Reductionism Psychodynamics Epistemology Psychological science Psychoanalysis |
| Citations | 12 |
| Key finding | Psychological and psychodynamic interpretations remain viable for understanding near-death experiences and should not be dismissed. |
Abstract
From introduction: "Michael Grosso, in his elegant review of various hypotheses intended to explain near-death experiences as reductionistic and unable to account adequately for the NDE. The present paper is a restatement of the case for psychological interpretations of the NDE; it is intended to forestall the premature rejection of psychodynamic approaches to the study of NDEs."