Is Death A Lie? | NDE Researcher Dr. Donna Thomas

Essentia Foundation

Pilot Study on Near-Death Experiences in Children

A pilot study researched near-death and extra-sensory experiences in children aged 6-18.

Common experiences included interacting with unseen beings, moving through spirals, and experiencing a loving darkness.

The research suggests that the brain doesn't produce consciousness.

The study emphasizes the importance of considering children's perspectives on consciousness.

Introduction of Donna, the researcher, and her background.

Donna's Personal Experiences and Research Motivation

Donna's research is driven by personal experiences and a career focused on children's services.

She describes two significant childhood extrasensory experiences: a near-death experience at age 5 and a car crash at age 15.

The first experience involved an out-of-body experience after being hit by a motorbike.

The second involved an out-of-body experience during a serious car crash, characterized by intense fear followed by peace and love.

She discusses the challenges of integrating such experiences and the societal lack of support for them.

Researching *With* Children, Not *On* Children

Donna emphasizes the importance of involving children as research partners, not just subjects.

Children's creativity and insights are highlighted when they are active participants.

The research uses qualitative methods, valuing children's experiences as expert knowledge.

Example of a pilot study on near-death experiences in children in an ICU setting.

Transcendental experiences, including interactions with unseen beings and out-of-body experiences, are common.

Children describe beings of various shapes and sizes, often drawing them.

A case study of a young girl who experienced gratitude and expansion after a suicide attempt.

This case suggests a potential self-healing aspect of such experiences.

The current mental health system often misinterprets these experiences.

Research methods adapt to the age group, using storybooks, drawings, and play for younger children.

The challenge of avoiding bias and ensuring accurate reporting from children is discussed.

The importance of rigorous research methods in qualitative studies with children is emphasized.

The subjective validity of children's experiences is highlighted.

The researcher addresses the question of reality and imagination in children's accounts.

Comparison of Children's and Adults' Experiences

Children and adults share similar experiences, but children's near-death experiences often involve a loving darkness and spirals instead of tunnels and bright lights.

The source of children's knowledge about near-death experiences is questioned.

Premonitions and telepathic experiences are also common in children.

The concept of a transpersonal self is introduced.

Philosophical Underpinnings and Conclusion

The research points towards analytical idealism as a philosophical explanation for the experiences.

Analytical idealism posits reality as a field of subjectivity.

The importance of ontology in social sciences is discussed.

Critique of materialism's assumption of humans as machines.

The research explores phenomenal consciousness and the question of 'what it is like' to be someone.