Holden, J. M., Greyson, B., & James, D. (2009). The handbook of near-death experiences: Thirty years of investigation. Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger.

Reviewer:
Jamie Crockett

Curricular Areas:
Diversity/Multiculturalism/Social Justice, Human Development, Research and/or Program Evaluation

Subject Headings:
Grief & loss, Multicultural/cross-cultural issues, Spiritual journey

Review:
Despite the many unknowns that come with experiencing life on earth, one thing that we know with certainty is that all people die. The question remains what, if anything, happens to us after death? Research in this field is inevitably difficult as there is no known method for empirical study of the experience of dying. Remarkably, advances in resuscitation technology beginning in the 1970’s have afforded an unprecedented volume of the closest known accounts of death. These near-death experiences (NDEs) give insight into varying degrees of death from those who have experienced it and lived to tell their story.

The handbook of near-death experiences is a comprehensive literary review of 30 years of investigation of NDEs. With contributions from leading experts, the handbook offers an up-to-date summary of NDE research, controversial issues, recommendations and considerations for future research, as well as implications for medical and mental health providers. The handbook advocates for quality research using the scientific method and names two primary reasons for continued NDE research. First, further understanding is necessary in order to do no harm to NDErs, and second, medical and mental health providers as well as all of humanity may benefit greatly from further research (p. xiv).

The handbook presents research through eleven distinct "lenses” (chapters), each of which stands on its own as a summary of that particular area of study. These areas include: distressing NDE’s, NDE’s in children and teens, explanatory models of NDE’s, and world religions and NDE’s. Each chapter raises important questions for the application and implications of future research such as: Can consciousness function apart from the living body? What are the implications of cultural and/or religious influence on NDE’s? What are the "limitations of the current model of mind-brain identity” (p. 214)? What are the therapeutic effects of NDE’s on NDErs and non-NDErs?

Understanding NDE’s may help counselors working with client’s who are NDErs, non-NDErs, terminally ill, bereaved, soldiers, elderly, or experiencing suicidal ideation. Further, it is relevant for counselors to note that many populations benefit from learning about NDE’s. For instance, in one study, students who took coursework on NDE’s reported overall increase in positive view of death, self-worth, compassion, and purposefulness of life. Perhaps NDE research could be helpful material for some effective psycho-education opportunities.

Unfortunately, some NDErs experience problems with poor after-care, assumption of pathology by care-givers, and misdiagnosis. This compounds the already existing reluctance to disclose NDE’s. For some clients, counselor competency relies on a foundational understanding of NDE’s. Thus, the handbook of near-death experiences includes helpful guidelines and suggestions (not yet empirically researched) for working with NDErs. The Handbook provides a valuable summary contribution to our current understanding and important directives for how best to advance that understanding in a way that contributes to counseling both individuals with NDEs and others who can benefit from an greater understanding of death experiences.

Originally posted on 3/29/2010 at csi-net.org.