The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

Out-of-body experiences in the context of hypnosis: Phenomenology, methodology, and neurophysiology.

Author

Editor

  • Craig Murray

Summary, in English

Out-of-body experiences (OBEs) are characterized by disruptions between normally integrated subsystems that modulate the visuo-spatial representation of embodied consciousness. Similar disruptions in the coordination of cognitive processes, and corresponding alterations in cortical functional connectivity, have been observed in highly suggestible individuals following a hypnotic induction and after specific hypnotic suggestions. Such individuals more frequently report OBEs during their daily lives and spontaneously following a hypnotic induction than those who are low in suggestibility. They are also capable of experiencing OBEs following corresponding hypnotic suggestions. We present a review and theoretical integration of the phenomenology and neurophysiology of spontaneous and experimentally-induced OBEs during hypnosis and conclude by arguing for the utility of hypnosis as an instrumental method for the experimental induction and manipulation of these experiences.

Publishing year

2009

Language

English

Pages

89-104

Publication/Series

Psychological Scientific Perspectives On Out Of Body And Near Death Experiences

Document type

Book chapter

Publisher

Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

Topic

  • Psychology

Keywords

  • hypnosis
  • out of body experiences
  • anomalous experiences
  • altered states of consciousness
  • consciousness

Status

Published

Research group

  • CERCAP (Center for Research on Consciousness and Anomalous Psychology)