Transformation or Pathology: A Brief Review of Studies of Some Anomalous Human Experiences

Abstract

The paper provides a brief review of the literature, including a case study, of anomalous human experiences (AHEs) such as glossolalia, xenolalia, out-of-body experiences (OBEs) and near-death experiences (NDEs). AHEs are frequently experienced by a number of the healthy as well as the pathological population. The first part of the paper looks at the literature describing phenomenology as well as semiology of the AHEs and their common features. The second part looks at the literature reflecting possible transformative and transcendent elements of the AHEs. The last part of the paper examines the literature presenting the possible pathological as well as spiritual nature of AHEs.