hallucinations is the most popular
explanation for the NDE and does
have various merits. Although neuroscience and psychology overlap
I am more interested in focusing
purely on the psychological aspect
as so far this has been largely
ignored in favour of neuroscience.
It is possible that the NDE fulfils a
psychological need, or could even
be a psychological defence mechanism. In terms of the reports of the
NDE itself it is likely that the recol-
lections are subject to psychological interpretation, so an exploration
of psychological mechanisms could
shed light on the NDE reports and
lead to a better understanding of
the NDE itself. Could a psychological model explain the NDE? And if
there is no psychological evidence,
where would a psychological theory
for the NDE start and what would it
need to prove?
42