Out of body experiences: Scoping review

Abstract

Background: Despite the growing body of scientific research on Out of Body Experiences (OBEs), a scoping review has not yet been conducted. Method: A search was conducted across six databases. Studies published between 1987 and 2024 were included, resulting in the selection of 87 publications. The analyzed factors included deliberate inducing, predisposing, precipitating, consequential, phenomenological, and physiological factors. Results: OBEs can occur spontaneously, be self-induced, or induced through different methods. Experiences such as sleep paralysis, or lucid dreaming can facilitate OBEs. They can be triggered in various situations. The reactions to OBEs vary widely: some individuals fear their recurrence, while others welcome these experiences. OBEs are highly idiosyncratic, often accompanied by a strong sense of reality. Explanatory hypotheses for the nature of OBEs include psychological, physiological, and non-local consciousness perspectives. Conclusions: OBEs are a complex phenomenon that requires further understanding to normalize and expand the current conception of consciousness.