Memories of a previous life?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/0101-60830000041216Abstract
Background : Children are sometimes found who claim to have memories of a past life. If such alleged memories can be verified they may prove relevant for the question of the mind-brain relationship. They may indicate that memory is not only stored in the brain and that mind can exist without a brain and still retain some of its memories. These possibilities are contrary to what is presently known about memory and its dependence on brain functioning. Objectives : Were to test if an independent investigator comes up with comparable findings as Stevenson of University of Virginia who has published a great number of such cases. Methods : Consisted of interviewing children who make consistent statements about a previous life and persons who have witnessed them making such statements. Three psychological studies compared children with and without past-life memories. Results : In two of three presented cases a deceased person was found who fitted the child´s statements about the previous life. Psychologically these children differ from other children, showing signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, likely because by remembering how they died in accidents or were killed. Discussion : The features of “past-life memory” cases make them relevant for question of the mind-brain relationship.Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
Downloads
Published
2014-04-01
Issue
Section
Mind-Brain Series
License
Once accepted for publication, the manuscript becomes permanent property of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry. This copyright transfer subsumes exclusive and unlimited entitlement of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry to publish and distribute the full contents of articles in whichever publishing medium, including press and electronic media, in Brazil and abroad.
Manuscripts are accepted with the understanding that the Editor and the editorial staff have the right to make revisions aimed at greater conciseness, clarity, and conformity with Journal style, of course without changing its content.
How to Cite
Memories of a previous life? . (2014). Archives of Clinical Psychiatry, 41(1), 21-26. https://doi.org/10.1590/0101-60830000041216