Serial/Series Title

Editor's Foreword [Fall 2009] (open access)

Editor's Foreword [Fall 2009]

Editorial statement introducing the contents of the journal issue and providing other relevant notes.
Date: Autumn 2009
Creator: Holden, Janice Miner
Object Type: Text
System: The UNT Digital Library
Double Vision: The Divided Self in Near-Death Experiences and Postmodernism (open access)

Double Vision: The Divided Self in Near-Death Experiences and Postmodernism

Abstract: In Peter Novak's recent work (2003), he suggested the hypothesis that the human self is intrinsically bifurcated and separates into distinct components of consciousness at death. He referred to the near-death literature for evidence of this separation. His analysis of this literature implied that the after-death experience is not sequentially determined but is shaped simultaneously by different events corresponding to those components of consciousness. His proposal to reconcile those components addressed the need for self-integration at death. However, proponents of postmodernism question the singularity of self-identity and propose the multiplicity of self-experience. Their challenge to the belief in a wholly integrated self brings into question the therapeutic value of recognizing self-division in death. If the self lacks a foundation, then it is fruitless to seek an illusory level of integration. Rather, self-division in death points to a more astute understanding of the emptiness of the self.
Date: Autumn 2009
Creator: Lee, Raymond L. M.
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
Exploring the Integration of Near-Death Experience Aftereffects: Summary of Findings (open access)

Exploring the Integration of Near-Death Experience Aftereffects: Summary of Findings

Abstract: Preliminary evidence suggests that both near-death experiencers (NDErs) and nonexperiencers who learn about near-death experiences (NDEs) show beneficial aftereffects. In this article I summarize the findings of an exploratory study to examine a small group process utilizing spiritual guidance and expressive arts for integrating NDE aftereffects. Eleven adult participants -- four NDErs and seven non-NDErs -- completed a pretest, initial posttest, and longitudinal posttest consisting of a revised version of the Omega Life Change Questionnaire (Rominger-LCQ) and the Human Spirituality Scale, as well as semistructured individual and group interviews. I also collected the expressive art participants created during sessions, photographed it, and used it to identify pictorial themes. Quantitative results included some significant differences and some nonsignificant trends indicating greater spirituality and life changes among NDErs compared to non-NDErs and, for all participants, from pre- to posttest. Qualitative interview material revealed participants had learned material on a number of topics of including a broader understanding of, and ability to communicate about, the NDE. Qualitative pictorial data revealed themes suggesting that both NDErs and non-NDErs had integrated positive aftereffects. The process described herein may benefit spiritual guides and directors, expressive art therapists, and therapists working with individuals who have had …
Date: Autumn 2009
Creator: Rominger, Ryan A.
Object Type: Article
System: The UNT Digital Library
Book Review: Parapsychology and the Skeptics: A Scientific Argument for the Existence of ESP (open access)

Book Review: Parapsychology and the Skeptics: A Scientific Argument for the Existence of ESP

Review of a book titled "Parapsychology and the Skeptics: A Scientific Argument for the Existence of ESP" written by author Chris Carter.
Date: Autumn 2009
Creator: Zingrone, Nancy L.
Object Type: Review
System: The UNT Digital Library