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Up until now, we have had little knowledge of what the state of unconsciousness was like from the patient's point of view. Surprisingly, in a state considered void of human experiences, Lawrence found that the events subjects reported were extraordinary. Her research in hospital units and in the literature reveals that more than 70% of the individuals who regain consciousness remember events during their unconscious period. They heard and understood conversations, had inner dialogues, recognized their emotions, and went out of their bodies. As would be expected, some of the patients' experiences are the now-recognized classic NDEs (near-death experiences).
The author also includes descriptions of related research from nursing, medicine, psychology, and parapsychology. The phenomena described in the book are not easily explained by the paradigm of one discipline. It is the author's point of view that because the phenomena crosses the lines of many disciplines, the answer to understanding and explaining the experiences can be obtained only by using theories and research methods from a variety of related disciplines. The integration of research from such varied disciplines brings a unique perspective to the chapters. Also included are suggestions for caregivers and families about what can be done for patients during their unconscious episode and after their recovery.
List of contents
Introduction
Historical Theories, Assumptions, and Beliefs
Paradigms of the Disciplines: Medical Science, Psychology, Parapsychology, and Physics
Carol's Experience
Total Unconsciousness
Perceived Unconsciousness
Inner Awareness
Distorted Consciousness
Extrasensory Experiences
Out-of-Body Experiences
Near-Death Experiences
Near-Death Visits
The Grim Reaper
Pronounced Dead but Still Alive
Conclusions, Current Research, and Clinical Implications
Appendix: Further Evidence for Veridical Perception during Near-Death Experiences
References
Index
About the author
MADELAINE LAWRENCE is Assistant Professor, College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions, University of Hartford, West Hartford, Connecticut.
