Journal of Near-Death Studies, volume 12, issue 2
Near-Death Experiences and Dissociation: Two Cases
Serdahely, W. J.
The near-death experience (NDE) literature has long chronicled the observation that out-of-body experiences (OBEs) lead to relief from physical and emotional pain. Researchers have suggested recently that the NDE may be viewed as dissociation. People who are physically or sexually abused, including those who have multiple personality disorder, often develop dissociative defenses and may well leave their bodies to achieve pain relief. This article presents two cases of NDEs that support the supposition that NDEs and OBEs may be a dissociative process.
