An interpretative phenomenological analysis of out-of-body experiences in two cases of novice meditators

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Wilde, D. ORCID: 0000-0001-7416-4348 and Murray, C.D., 2009. An interpretative phenomenological analysis of out-of-body experiences in two cases of novice meditators. Australian Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 37 (2), pp. 90-118. ISSN 0156-0417

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Abstract

The Out-of-Body Experience (OBE) is an anomalous experience that has been found to occur under a variety of circumstances. This paper will take as its focus the in-depth examination of the lived experience of having an OBE as described by two novice meditators. A qualitative approach was adopted using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Two female participants who had OBEs whilst meditating took part in face-to-face, semi-structured interviews. Three interrelated themes emerged from the findings. Analysis highlighted the potential for the OBE to function as an adaptive form of behaviour in relation to how participants endeavoured to discharge existing need-related conflicts. Also emergent was the transactive nature of the out-of-body environments themselves, which were seen as meaningful places that facilitated participants’ embodied, goal-oriented behaviours. Accordingly, participants took pragmatic views about their OBEs, seeing them more as tools or skills that can be utilized as an extension of their selves. Also emphasized was the role of absorption in the production of both the participants’ meditative and out-of-body states.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Australian Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis
Creators:	Wilde, D. and Murray, C.D.
Publisher:	Australian Society of Hypnosis
Date:	2009
Volume:	37
Number:	2
ISSN:	0156-0417
Divisions:	Schools > School of Social Sciences
Record created by:	Linda Sullivan
Date Added:	06 Nov 2015 15:10
Last Modified:	07 Feb 2022 15:56
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/26196