Abstract: Near-death studies published in major scientific journals during 1981-82 are grouped by subject matter and briefly reviewed.

Partial Abstract: "This paper examines tunnel experiences, which have been discussed by Raymond Moody, Kenneth Ring, and Kevin Drab in the context of near-death experiences. It is argued that tunnel experiences, even when possibly triggered by psi cognition, are not always associated with near-death experiences or out-of-body experiences. A proposed definition of pseudo-hallucinations is adapted to possible psi-induced tunnel experiences." Six categories of tunnel experiences are outlined, a "transactional view of visual perception is accepted", and the hypothesis that the tunnel is a "subconsciously devised artifact for overcoming a spatial and/or temporal gap at the perceptual level" is proved true. This view is then compared with approaches from different writers on this topic. Additionally, a new solution for why tunnels are missing in cases of "clairvoyant travel" is given.

Abstract: This study reports the results of a multivariate analysis of data from 33 subjects who had near-death experiences. The analysis examined the relationship between the phenomenology of the experience and preexisting conditions. Five clusters were derived: Low Stress, Emotional Stress, Intoxicant, Cardiac Arrest, and Anesthetic. The heuristic value of these clusters is discussed. The statistical technique used is also discussed in some detail since it is particularly suitable for category data of this type where small numbers of subjects and large numbers of variables are involved in the analysis.

The author details a near-death experience which has caused him to find a new reality "replete with symbolic meanings that altered his view of life, death, and their intermediate cultural patterns." After his near-death experience (NDE), he faced NDE visions while unconscious and partially paralyzed for weeks, encountering "radiant knowledge and total love" and feeling no need to eat, drink or sleep. His visions have caused him to "abandon many typical cultural patterns." He replaces these patterns with "the recognition of the eternity granted by adherence to the present moment and of the remarkable worth and interest of everyone he encounters."

This article refutes Carl Sagan's theory that near-death experiences (NDEs) are recollections of birth experiences based on three major reasons including the inability of newborn babies to perceive experiences and that there are differences between births and NDEs.

This article summarizes and conveys the significance of the book Adventures in Immortality: A Look Beyond the Threshold of Death by George Gallup, Jr. with William Proctor. The author focuses on the book's strengths, its implications, and important findings.

Semi-annual journal publishing papers related to near-death experiences, including research reports; theoretical or conceptual statements; expressions of a scientific, philosophic, religious, or historical perspective on the study of near-death experiences; cross-cultural studies; individual case histories; and personal accounts of experiences or related phenomena.