Contemporary Psychoanalysis. XXII, 1986: Transformations in Self Understanding after Near-Death Experiences. David Raft and Jeffry Andresen. Pp. 319-346.

In connection with near-death experiences, some individuals experience significant personality changes and seem to develop a mode of introspection which is similar to the free association method of psychoanalysis. These individuals become more highly attentive to their bodily sensations and affects, and seem to develop strong curiosity and motivation to better understand themselves and others. Two clinical vignettes are presented, both of which illustrate the development of a method resembling free association, with increased curiosity, insight, and tolerance of uncertainty. A third vignette is offered, by way of contrast, in which a survivor of a near-death experience developed fixed and rigid notions felt to be imposed from without; this served purposes of defense and denial. The authors discuss some of the motivations for increased knowledge and understanding in general, and proceed to consider how some of these motivations might be enhanced as a result of near-death experiences. In particular, the ordeal of loss and fantasies of death and rebirth are thought to contribute significantly to these motivations.