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Many individuals report having an out-of-body experience at some point in their life, and now scientists are homing in on the cause. A study published in Cortex in July hints that these strange perceptual illusions may arise from a less cohesive sense of one’s own body. The researchers surveyed a group of psychologically healthy people and found that one in four had had an out-of-body experience. Then the subjects were asked to imitate the body position of a mannequin and figure out on which hand the dummy was wearing a distinctive piece of jewelry. Those who had reported an out-of-body experience were worse at the task, which suggests they had a harder time integrating sensory information and perceiving their body’s position. This weaker internal link to the body, the researchers suggest, may make it easier to perceive the body as if from an outside perspective.
37 Comments
Add Comment"surveyed a group of psychologically healthy people (ha ha ha)." There's another great scientific discovery for the crap file.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this... or it could be something else entirely. A half-dozen other possibilities come to mind -- none of which confers some sort of "defect" on those who report having an out-of-body experience.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisNo wonder the average person lacks trust, or even interest, in science.
I had one when I was much younger(12 or so). It was bizarre, but at the time I was hospitalized with severe pneumonia and high fever, so in my case I believe the cause was somewhat more basic . . . delirium.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisSome of the commentators are missing the point. This experiment only demonstrates a possible correlation for some people who may have lower mind and body connectivity.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisYou claim "a half-dozen other possibilities," yet cite none, then make the incredible leap that this is evidence that "people" (all people? some people? you and your drinking buddies?) not only lack trust and interest in science, but this is the cause.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisWhat was actually presented in this article was a simple experiment that "suggests" subjects had difficulty perceiving their bodys position and that this "may" make it easier to perceive the body as if from an outside perspective.
Notice those key words - "suggest" and "may?" That is how science works. A theory, a test, a possible, but not definitive, answer until more tests provide more theories and more possible answers. It doesn't close the door on any of your "half-dozen other possibilities," but merely states an interesting connection involving one possibility.
I'm pretty average, own a home, have three kids, a college degree and a job. I don't distrust "science".
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI'm pretty skeptical on all fronts, but to look at a study that tries to answer questions about the human mind and to conclude that "science" is unworthy of trust because you don't agree with an early, unformed theory that comes from the study seems a bit odd.
Do you drive a car, get to distant destinations by flying in a jet, use electrical power in your house, take medicines when prescribed, eat food that you didn't grow yourself? Science is why all these things exist or are better. They didn't just miracle themselves into our lives, scientists, often in pursuit of pure scientific discovery created these things and these abilities. I'm sure there were quite a few discoveries central to our way of life here on planet Earth that were the result of what you would have ignored as uninteresting. Discovery is made by those willing to look at reality in new and sometimes odd ways, but a creative and open mind is required.
Is science perfect? No, there are things created by science that haven't worked out too well, but that is the fault of those who used the result of some scientific discovery badly.
Something like this study might eventually lead to breakthroughs in mental illness or even a cure for paralysis or some use yet unknown in an area seemingly unrelated.
And hey, I notice you apparently use a computer, but I have to wonder, if you don't trust "science" why?
So they begin the study calling all OOB experiences perceptual illusions. Their first error. What about studies that have verified the accuracy and reality of OOB perceptions?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisPoints to author Carrie Arnold for using the correct term "homing in" rather than the misused term "honing in".
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisIt's a rare writer these days who can distinguish these near-homonyms.
No kidding, JDoors. It has always eluded me how "scientific" study can present itself as so know-it-all when all human study is based on current technology, systems and cultural mores that are in flux all the time (broaden your spectrum beyond your own lifetime for a change, people). And I ask you, just how advanced are we when we carelessly act like nature is some sort of commodity instead of the sacred lifestead she is. We have our moments of brilliance, no doubt about that, but in the long run this species seems destined to take itself over the edge.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thishttp://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=real-outof-body-experiences
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisRubbish. I've never found anything that gives one a better sense of one's own body than Tai Chi. It's also very helpful in helping one attain an out of body experience.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI thought scientific studies resulted only in scientific results; astral projection is outside of the boundaries of traditional science, so what is the point of the study? Why would traditional scientists be interested in disproving something they don't believe in in the first place?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisAnswer: grant money. Some people will buy/pay for anything.
p.s.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisDon't tell the gummit about this; they happen to believe in things like astral projection and remote viewing...
Isispriest claims studies that have proven OBE's but in reality there have been no reliable, repeatable studies carried out anywhere. The problem here is the confusion created by the term OBE and Astral projection. OBE may have a valid and scientifically explainable cause abate not actually proving the possibility of the 'soul' travelling outside the body which of cause is Astral projection.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThis confusion is typical when religious philosophy overlaps with scientific philosophy, those that know about the former confuse it with the later and the waters are so clouded by this process that the man in the street finds it impossible to distinguish between the two. This confusion is most evident in the term intelligent design a philosophy that I for one think is extremely dangerous and of cause totally wrong.
These studies are very important in that it gives insight into the workings of the brain. Such studies can be beneficial both to the Psychiatric profession and in the general understanding of human consciousness.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThen they should explicitly state that within the report of the study and that should be the focus of a study and not foolishness such as this one. There was no reportage of your perspective, was there? Anyway, validity is at issue which renders the study moot at best; as I said, some people will spend money on anything, even ...
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this"The researchers surveyed a group of psychologically healthy people and found that one in four had had an out-of-body experience."
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisIf 25% of the population is reporting this phenomenon, does that not bear looking into? Better to have a valid, scientific explanation for this, and hence a better understanding of how the brain works (as mentioned by mikeorgan1955), than to continue to have 25% of the population believing in a superstitious explanation for something they experienced as real.
Science explores many blind allies and seemingly pointless subjects in order to uncover nuggets of useful and important knowledge. As I recall Ignaz Semmelweis was roundly criticized and mocked in the mid-19th century for his studies that showed obstetric doctors who washed their hands before delivering babies had fewer of their patients die of septicaemia. In fact he was actually committed to an insane asylum (where he died) for angrily denouncing doctors who refused to believe his findings as murderers.
Congratulations! Your comment has won you the official designation as "Troll". With this title, you may continue making negative comments that have no constructive use and only serve to to hinder the development of meaningful discourse.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisAgreed. All too commonly, science articles harm science in the way they're written. The extreme minority of mankind believes in no kind of spiritual aspect of life - and yet somehow we let those people write articles as if everyone agrees with them?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisEditors, step up. I'm not caring to read about bias. Just the science, please.
I have an out of body experience every time I fall for reading one of the 'teaser' articles from SA "Mind". Why does sa.com continuously perpetrate these "illusions" of an article on their readers, including loyal SA subscribers? IMO, it must be a matter of greed and lack of respect for their customers.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThis fascinating article reminds me to the last Christmas, when I have discovered an original method of Quantum Biophysical Semeiotics, I have termed "Brain Sensor Bedside Evaluation".
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisIn a few words - Simone Caramel, SISBQ www.sisbq.org President, and I are writing a paper, wherein we describe the above-cited method in details, emphasising the usefullness of the new road it has opened in physical semeiotic field.
As a matter of facts, such a discoberi began with glycocalix bedside evaluation, that allows physicians to assess clinically, i.e., with a simple stethoscope, both structure and function of mit-DNA and n-DNA, since cell membrane, glycocalix and interstitial substances - which are really a unit from the functional view-point - are synthesised by means of correct and refined n-DNA and mit-DNA information (3-6).
In addition, thanks to such a paramount scientific advance of physical semeiotics, we are going on to point out a outstanding diagnostic tool, i.e., the Quantum Biophysical Semeiotics Evaluation of Brain Sensor of the physiological and pathological conditions of every biological systems, since it very initial stage,e. g., Quantum Biophysical Semeiotics Constitutions and related Inherited Real Risk (7). At Christmas 2011, has born Brain Sensor Bedside Evaluation, based on glycocalix assessment. Interestingly, in one apparently healthy individual, since its birth, the presence, e.g., of CAD Inherited Real Risk, conditio sine qua non of CAD (8-15), brings about small microcirculatory activation of Brain Sensor, i.e., limbic region, as well as PNEI neuronal center.
Fundamental from the diagnostic view-point, light digital pressure upon heart cutaneous projection area (precordium) causes "simultaneously", due to non-local realm, microcirculatory activation, whose intensity parallels the seriousness of underlying CAD Inherited Real Risk, allowing its quantification. Perhaps, lacking at the moment the possibilty of its validation by peer- reviews Editors and Reviewers, we should overlook Brain Sensor Bedside Evaluation, temporarily the UNIQUE clinical tool able to carry CAD growing Epidemic to its End?
I am ready to provide to Scientific American Editors further information.
References on request due to space reason.
Chris, please read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisspecially where it concerns freedom of speech.
Science is not democracy: it's the absolute rule of evidence. General consensus is worthless without supporting evidence, and it certainly doesn't give anyone the right to silence those who happen not to bow to the common wisdom.
Those are the very people most likely to increase our knowledge, provided they follow sound methods (AKA science).
Yeah, studies? Cite one. Just one from a peer-reviewed source. Come on. Or are you just full of mumbo-jumbo BS, isis?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisT
To the author of the article, I say "bullshit". There are circumstances in which certain individuals (more people than you might think) are capable of being in one place, but also being in another at the same time. Sounds crazy, I know. But, you have to be a bit psychic and have a few other gifts. Many more people are capable of this phenomenon, but when they have a psychic experience, or an out of body experience, they bury it in their mind and pretend it didn't happen. So, not all out of body experiences are attributable to whatever.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisHow right you are, MaggieMac!
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThere are many ways to achieve OOBE. To knock science because they find a tool to possibly help a psychological condition is not very open minded.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisPathology also can yield a separation of body/mind.
Drugs, venom, jogging, or just plain making it a goal.
Are shamans schizophrenic? Yes, shamanism is controlled schizophrenia.
All science came from shamanism. Technology also came from this.
Many people try doctors and give it up. They then go to a shaman and get healed, or killed. It's up to they're spirit if it is time to die, or they chose unwisely. We have no guarantees with medical doctors or shamans.
One might be surprised at how many shamans get a PhD in medicine or science. Or how many doctors go to witches and shamans to diagnose they're more perplexing patients, or simply to learn medicine. I love how the African shamans treat with the Western doctors. They will dispense little tidbits of healing wisdom and tech for an exorbitant price, just so they come back and spend more. Some doctors are not above treating us the same way.
Medicine is an art, not a science.
Shamanism is a combination of technology and spirit strength.
Thank you, it's a good article. But I would like to see doctors stand up against what we are doing to our food in this country. Or eventually, we will all be out of our bodies. - regards
I think I appreciate what you are saying. I'm not certain because you didn't bother with spell check.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisSo, it seems, you are talking about linguistic signs. Or, signs and geometries applied to philosophical linguistic research.
The problem here is that if you misspell a word or two, no one can tell exactly what is spelled correctly.
Just a little insight for you since you speak of publishing.
It would seem you are in Greece, and using an interpretation software?
Please don't take me as being critical. Most readers here are certainly not scientists, but you are directly addressing the author. So none of this might be critical to you.
If semeiotics relates to the article, please explain in common terms.
Seeqer, tai chi may well offer out of the body experience. But the sense of body you experience is quite a different thing. You get that because you are exercising you're core muscles while in quest of the chi. Without balance, relaxation, fluid mobility, centering and grounding, you will get little more than what you inherently have. You need serious body awareness before the chi will flow.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisSome people quest for years and never achieve chi. Others move right ahead into chi gong.
I truly wish you well on this quest.
I take it, you weren't included.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThat is just a bunch of unverified, psycho mumbo jumbo.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisWhen I was pre-pubescent, I was hospitalized for removal of tonsils and adnoids. I was fine until I was strapped to the operating table and ether was poured through gauze to knock me out. I screamed and fought restraint, yelling "help, murder, police" until the sickening odor of the ether did its work. I then perceived myself as floating upward above the operating table and the grotesque figures surrounding the table. I attained a height of, perhaps, twenty feet while rising at a slow,spiraling rate and glancing down at my little body on the table and the grotesque figures surrounding it (me). Then, blackness until I regained consciousness. Was that an out of body experience?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisMy guess would be that most pilots, sailors, or shooters would get it right.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisYou seem to describe John Smith...who rather than waste the experience started a religion based on silver, gold, bronze tablets delivered in upstate NY. Heck, now his group hangs world wide with a big Temple in DC.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI had two out of body experiences both occurring when i was in danger of hurting my self (jumping of a swing and feet stuck under desk when leaning back on chair and fell back arching over chair) in both cases being "out of body" allowed me to see what my body was doing. I am very spatially aware, sporty and arty, may be the execepton to the rule but I think I was just perceiving my situation in a differnt way. Although perception of surrounding was very acute...hmmm?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisWe notice that most commentors are responding only to the excerpt, edited from the actual article.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisAttacking scientific inquiry without first familiarizing oneself with the huge body of research on brain and neurobiological, neurohormonal, neuropsychiatric information would seem to be counterproductive to understanding.
Please study basics such as Michael Gazzaniga's and others' long-term studies of effects of trauma on brain areas. Please explore reports of effects of neurosurgery to see cognitions that threaten widespread fictions as well as helping to explain some psychological abnormalities.
I invite everyone who is offended by abuse of the comment column of Scientific American to attempt to further nonscientific agendas, personal bias, politicization, and pure trollery, to make liberal use of the "report abuse" button, in order to assist in making this site more informative and less inflammatory.
Dreams and other internal communications and cognitions often use personal symbols, perhaps due to the complexity of our marvelous neural complexity. with thousands of kinds of neurons, as many as thousands of connections using a single neuron, and the interconnections of specific families or circuits of neurotransmitter-related groups, as well as the fact that motor or sensory neurons and areas essentially report their activity in ways that the cognitive system attempts to describe or relate to the varying experiences we each define as consciousness, we are bound to experience some misapprehended, mistranslated experiences.
Remember as well, that we are the most imaginative species we know, with mirror neurons and other constructs allowing us to experience activities we are not actually engaged in.
Perhaps science will never be able to completely define the infinity of experience individually possible. Yet this does not mean that discoveries of some of the biological roots are in any way invalid.
Yep, the first thing conquistadors do is kill the shaman, we're still killing the spirit of shamanism to forward the spirit of exploitation.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisOnce you're sell you're soul to the system, science becomes you're new shaman.
I chose to follow experience.
So go and pay for a real science site like a college site and give up a little support.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisSA is aimed at the public, it's not a tome.