Threshold - Vol 1 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: Threshold: Journal of Interdisciplinary Consciousness Studies
Issue: Volume 1, Number 1
Date: 2017
Publisher: Windbridge Research Center
Country: USA
ISSN: 2575-2510
Price: Free
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Editorial Content

Letter from the Editor

David B. Metcalfe, Editor-in-Chief, welcomes readers to the inaugural issue of Threshold: Journal of Interdisciplinary Consciousness Studies. He highlights the journal's focus on the interdisciplinary study of consciousness concerning dying, death, and what follows, positioning it at the forefront of research into mortality. Metcalfe emphasizes that the chosen articles set the tone for future explorations, covering topics such as end-of-life caregiver guidelines for anomalous experiences, integrating afterlife studies into lifespan development, the impact of near-death experience narratives on non-experiencers, and social research using text analysis for anomalous investigation requests. He stresses the role of empirical approaches in understanding the experiential dimensions of dying and death, and how the journal aims to integrate these themes with broader questions in evidence-based medicine, applied sociology, and public policy. Metcalfe concludes by stating that the journal's topics highlight the significant role science can play in deepening our understanding of life areas often considered taboo.

Metcalfe further elaborates that Threshold serves as a vehicle for dialogues addressing the emotional, cognitive, and experiential effects integral to interactions with dying, death, and the question of what comes next. He expresses anticipation for the journey and the possibilities that lie beyond current understanding.

About the Journal

Threshold: Journal of Interdisciplinary Consciousness Studies (TJICS) is described as a free, online-only, open-access journal disseminating information on interdisciplinary consciousness studies related to dying, death, and what comes next. It publishes original peer-reviewed research, review articles, research briefs, conference presentations, educational aids, essays, editorials, case studies, and book reviews. The content is designed for researchers, clinicians, practitioners, and the general public. The journal is published by the Windbridge Research Center in Tucson, AZ. Content is copyrighted by the authors and licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License, allowing sharing and redistribution with attribution but prohibiting commercial use or modifications.

Essays

1. End-of-Life Experiences: Advice for Caregivers

Authored by Patricia Pearson, MSc, this essay addresses the common practice of providing resource material to caregivers about the dying process, focusing on physical aspects. Pearson notes a gap in resources regarding the psychological and subjective experiences of the dying. She cites research indicating that end-of-life experiences, such as visions, coincidences, and desires for reconciliation, are not uncommon and often comfort both the dying and the bereaved. Buffalo Hospice researchers found that 88% of palliative patients reported comforting dreams and visions, with common themes including comforting presences, preparation for departure, and unfinished business. Pearson mentions the creation of a four-page pamphlet, funded by the Donner Canadian Foundation, to normalize these experiences for caregivers. The essay then details specific phenomena:

• Terminal Lucidity: A sudden elevation in mood and awareness before death, often mistaken for recovery, which offers a brief opportunity for interaction.
• Terminal Agitation: Sudden bouts of restlessness and agitation that require checking for underlying causes like pain or equipment issues, but can also be an interlude in the dying process.
• Visions and Sensed Presences: Dying individuals may perceive those who have died, see light or scenery, or hear music, which is usually comforting. Caregivers are advised not to dismiss these as hallucinations but to allow the dying person to draw solace from them.
• Vocabulary Around Travel: Symbolic language related to departure, such as asking for keys or mentioning a plane, indicating readiness for the end of life. These are generally not literal requests.
• Choosing Time of Death: The dying may express specific knowledge about their time of death, sometimes related to events like shopping. It is suggested that they may have awareness or control over their timing and may also choose to die privately when the room is empty.

The essay concludes by emphasizing that while the meaning of these perceptions is debated, caregivers should be reassured that they are normal occurrences. References are provided for studies on end-of-life experiences and dreams.

2. The Afterlife as an Extension of Lifespan Development

Authored by Pamela Rae Heath MD, PsyD, this essay explores the concept of the afterlife as a continuation of lifespan development. Heath draws on material gathered for her book, "Suicide: What Really Happens in the Afterlife?", which included channeled messages, near-death experiences (NDEs), out-of-body experiences (OBEs), electronic voice phenomena (EVP), reincarnation research, past life regressions, mystic visions, deathbed apparitions, and hauntings. The author posits that the afterlife is not merely a place where souls reside but a continuation of development involving acceptance, adjustment, and spiritual growth, with souls progressing through stages with specific tasks and purposes. This is further discussed in their book, "Handbook to the Afterlife". Heath notes that much of this aligns with channeled literature and that death itself is responsible for very few limitations, if any.

Research Briefs

1. Impacts of the NDE on Non-NDEers

This research brief, authored by Ryan Rominger, PhD, is mentioned in the Table of Contents but its content is not provided in the scanned pages.

2. Analyzing Linguistic Characteristics in Requests for Paranormal Investigations

Authored by Mark Boccuzzi, this research brief is mentioned in the Table of Contents but its content is not provided in the scanned pages.

Front Matter

Masthead

The masthead section includes the journal's title, publisher information (Windbridge Research Center, Tucson, AZ, USA), publication details (2017, Volume 1, Number 1), and website (www.TJICS.org).

Table of Contents

• The Table of Contents lists the following sections and articles:
• From the Editor: Welcome! (David Metcalfe)
• Essays: End-of-Life Experiences: Advice for Caregivers (Patricia Pearson, MSc), The Afterlife as an Extension of Lifespan Development (Pamela Rae Heath MD, PsyD)
• Research Briefs: Impacts of the NDE on Non-NDEers (Ryan Rominger, PhD), Analyzing Linguistic Characteristics in Requests for Paranormal Investigations (Mark Boccuzzi)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this inaugural issue revolve around consciousness, dying, death, and the afterlife, explored through an interdisciplinary lens. The journal's stance, as articulated by the Editor-in-Chief, is to approach these often taboo subjects with scientific rigor and empirical methods, aiming to deepen understanding and foster dialogue. There is a clear emphasis on normalizing subjective end-of-life experiences and presenting them as potentially meaningful aspects of human existence rather than solely as medical or psychological phenomena to be dismissed. The journal advocates for an open-minded yet evidence-based approach to exploring the unknown aspects of consciousness and mortality.

This issue of Threshold: Journal of Interdisciplinary Consciousness Studies (TJICS), Volume 1, Number 1, published in 2017, focuses on "Spiritual Growth in the Afterlife" and related topics. The journal is a free, online-only, open-access publication from the Windbridge Research Center, aiming to disseminate information on consciousness, dying, death, and the afterlife.

Spiritual Growth in the Afterlife

The first section, authored by Heath, details the process of spiritual growth after death. Newly deceased souls must first recognize they are dead, which can be challenging if the death was sudden or unexpected. They then learn to perceive the world without physical sense organs and may need to separate from their physical bodies, a process that can be influenced by belief systems or emotional attachments. Spirit helpers guide newcomers through "vibrational levels" to higher planes, often described as a tunnel of light. Problems can arise if souls remain in the "lower astral" plane due to false expectations or psychological baggage, potentially troubling the living. The afterlife is described as having seven or nine levels, with the lowest closest to Earth and the highest to the Source. A second wave of spirit greeters and reunions with friends and family occur at a middle level, helping the newly dead shift focus from loss to gain. The reunion phase can be emotionally draining, with spirits spending time in peaceful places for reflection or healing. The recovery stage may involve sleep and can be combined with later phases. Visits to the living may occur for closure. Souls then enter a life-review and judgment phase, emphasizing self-judgment under guides rather than divine judgment. This review is repeated until learning is complete. Following this, souls may choose spiritual work, such as guiding the living or the dead, or engage in quiet contemplation. Soul growth is paramount, and this process may continue indefinitely or lead to reincarnation for further lessons. Reincarnation is suggested as a means to plan future lives and "work off" karma, completing a cycle of development.

Impacts of the NDE on Non-NDEers

Authored by Ryan Rominger, PhD, this research brief explores how individuals who have not experienced a near-death experience (NDE) are affected by learning about NDEs or interacting with NDErs. Traditionally, NDE research focused on the narrative itself, but more recently, the aftereffects on the experiencer and the impact on non-experiencers have been studied. Rominger and Kenneth Ring have investigated the direct impact of NDErs on non-NDEers. Cognitive changes reported by non-experiencers include a more positive view of death, increased belief in the authenticity of NDEs, the afterlife, and life's purposefulness, and increased spiritual orientation. Participants in Rominger's study reported similar changes, including contemplating spirituality more and better understanding their own life-changing events. Emotional changes include a decreased fear of death, a greater connection with NDErs, and increased positive emotions like love and caring. Some individuals reported feeling like a "different human being" after the experience. Spiritual changes involve altered attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, with an increase in purposefulness and belief in the afterlife. Potential neurological changes are also considered, particularly the role of the mirror neuron system, suggesting that hearing an NDE narrative might activate similar brain areas in the listener, creating an empathic, neurological experience. The author notes caveats regarding his and Ring's studies, suggesting that the context (e.g., students desiring good grades, spiritual direction setting) might have led to inflated responses. However, he concludes that individuals with NDEs can influence non-experiencers, challenging belief systems and raising questions about the afterlife.

Analyzing Linguistic Characteristics in Requests for Paranormal Investigations

Authored by Mark Boccuzzi of the Windbridge Research Center, this research brief analyzes linguistic patterns in requests for paranormal investigations submitted online between 1999 and 2014. The study used Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) software to analyze two groups of emails: Group 1 (August 1, 1999 – December 31, 2006) and Group 2 (January 1, 2007 – June 1, 2014). Early emails were more inquisitive, while later emails, particularly after 2007, shifted towards descriptions of paranormal activity as frightening and malicious. The analysis revealed significant changes between the two groups. In Group 2, there was a significant decline in words associated with positive emotions and a general increase in negative emotions, including anxiety and sadness. References to health and religion also increased. Conversely, language associated with cognitive processes (e.g., 'consider,' 'think') and insight decreased, while language associated with causation (e.g., 'made,' 'because') significantly increased. The discussion suggests that paranormal reports are now more associated with negative experiences, and experiencers are thinking less critically, assigning causes more readily. The author posits that the complex world and potential factors like the changing global landscape may have contributed to these shifts.

About the Journal

The "About the Journal" section reiterates that Threshold: Journal of Interdisciplinary Consciousness Studies is a free, online-only, open-access journal covering interdisciplinary studies of consciousness related to dying, death, and the afterlife. It includes various article types and is tailored for researchers, clinicians, practitioners, and the general public. The content is copyrighted by the author(s) in 2017 and licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around consciousness, the afterlife, and the nature of extraordinary experiences like NDEs and paranormal phenomena. The journal adopts an academic and research-oriented stance, presenting findings from various studies and analyses. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these complex subjects, encouraging interdisciplinary approaches and providing a platform for research that might challenge conventional perspectives.

This document is an excerpt from the "Threshold: Journal of Interdisciplinary Consciousness Studies," Volume 1, Issue 1, published in 2017. The excerpt, titled "Investigation Request Linguistics" by Boccuzzi, focuses on the impact of paranormal-themed reality television and modern electronic media on how people communicate about and perceive paranormal phenomena.

Paranormal-Themed Entertainment and Media Influence

The author notes that while paranormal-themed entertainment is not new, the "embedded" unscripted style of modern shows has elevated the genre, blurring factual accounts with storytelling. A quick search of IMDb revealed a significant increase in paranormal-themed reality TV shows premiering in the US. Between 1999 and 2006 (Group 1 data set), six such shows premiered, including "Ghost Hunters" (2004-2016), which set a template for ghost hunting shows and investigation groups. Between 2007 and 2014 (Group 2 data set), 26 ghost-related reality TV shows premiered, including popular series like "Paranormal State" (2007-2011), "Ghost Hunters International" (2008-2012), and "Ghost Adventures" (2008-).

The evolution of these shows is examined, with the early seasons of "Ghost Hunters" (October 2004-May 2006) focusing on the interplay between investigators and unexplained activity. However, by the third season (October 2006-November 2007), the team was reportedly finding ghosts frequently. Concurrently, "Paranormal State" began, focusing on disturbing and allegedly demonic encounters. The author suggests this shift may have influenced the public's perception, moving from viewing encounters as subjects of study to seeing them as evils to be feared and eliminated.

The increased number of sensationalized shows is argued to have created unrealistic expectations, priming people to interpret mundane events as paranormal. This prevalence might foster a climate of fear and do a disservice to those who study actual paranormal events. Conversely, others might argue that the proliferation of paranormal themes normalizes these encounters, encouraging people to seek help.

Evolution of Investigation Requests

Another observed trend is the change in the general style of "Investigation Requests." In the Group 1 data set, messages tended to be longer, polite, and professional, often including an introduction, descriptions of activity, and questions about the investigation process. These messages typically ended with a formal closing.

In contrast, the Group 2 messages are described as shorter and more demanding, conveying fear and anxiety, and expecting an immediate response and solution. This shift is attributed to the evolution of online communication. In the early 2000s, emails were composed on desktop computers, adhering to conventions of written correspondence. Today, with the rise of Twitter and micro-blogging (e.g., Facebook posts), people are accustomed to sending short messages from mobile devices. Furthermore, the idea of paranormal encounters and investigations is now likely part of popular culture, reducing the need for deep inquiry. The author provides an example of a typical modern request: "Simply posting, 'I have a evil ghost in my house thats hurting me and U need to come here and get rid of it now!' to a Facebook page is all that is needed. This is the new normal for paranormal investigations."

Future Research

The author plans to continue this line of research by:
1. Conducting a more finely granulated LIWC (Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count) analysis of requests on a year-by-year basis to precisely track linguistic changes.
2. Performing detailed qualitative analyses of investigation requests to identify specific common themes.
3. Continuing the collection of investigation requests to track any future changes.

References

• The document includes references to several works, including:
• Chung, C. K., & Pennebaker, J. W. (2012). "Linguistic inquiry and word count (LIWC): Pronounced 'Luke,'... and other useful facts."
• R Core Team (2013). "R: A language and environment for statistical computing."
• Tausczik, Y. R., & Pennebaker, J. W. (2010). "The psychological meaning of words: LIWC and computerized text analysis methods."

About the Journal and Publisher

"Threshold: Journal of Interdisciplinary Consciousness Studies" (TJICS) is a free, online-only, open-access journal published by the Windbridge Research Center in Tucson, AZ. Its mission is to ease suffering related to dying, death, and the afterlife through rigorous scientific research and dissemination of content to various audiences, including researchers, clinicians, practitioners, and the general public. The manuscript is open access, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme is the intersection of paranormal phenomena, media representation, and communication. The journal's stance, as indicated by its mission and licensing, is to promote scientific inquiry and open access to information regarding consciousness studies, while adhering to ethical considerations (non-commercial use, no derivatives).