Near-death veridicality research in the hospital setting: Problems and promise

We attempted to conduct near-death veridicality research in the hospital setting, the rationale for which (we presented previously (Holden, 1988).) This paper describes problems, both anticipated and unanticipated, that we encountered. Based on the successes and failures of this undertaking, we present recommendations for future research of this type.At the time of this study, Dr. Holden was a candidate for the Ed.D. degree at the Northern Illinois University Graduate SchoolThis study was funded in part by a Dissertation Completion Award granted to Dr. Holden by the Northern Illinois University Graduate School. The authors also express gratitude to Robert Stromberg, Chaplain of the Lutheran General Hospital CCU at the time of this study, for his assistance in this research.     

Avoiding the columbus confusion: An Ockhamish view of near-death research

The positive aftereffects of near-death experiences (NDEs) are sometimes regarded as due to the possibility that they may be visions of the beyond. But that notion could be a serious misconception, similar to what I call the Columbus Confusion. Five hundred years ago, Christopher Columbus's belief that he had found a new route to India prevented him from realizing that he had discovered a new continent. Likewise, contemporary belief that NDEs are glimpses of an afterlife may prevent us from realizing their more profound nature. Belief in an afterlife has not historically brought humanity a high quality of life, but NDEs seem reliably to do so, and may offer important clues about why the expanded vitality, the eternity-consciousness, of the mystics is commonly blocked. Those clues are obscured by popular emphasis on that minority of NDEs that resemble otherworld journeys.     

AIDS and ARC: Pastoral issues in the hospital setting

Eight areas of fear for persons with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and its related conditions are explored: change and stress, uncertainty and the unknown, waiting, the fear of symptoms, fear of contagion, abandonment, dependency and spiritual distress. Some particular issues of sub-populations with HIV infection are detailed. Suggestions for helpful pastoral responses to the common concerns and anxieties of patients and their loved ones are offered.     

Design and analysis considerations in research.

This short note emphasizes the need for multivariate analysis when multiple correlated dependent variables are used in a study. The use of multivariate analysis and the consequences of not using it are illustrated in relation to a previously published study that used self-concept subscales as dependent variables.     

Return to work program in a hospital setting

This exploratory field study evaluated the impact of a formal return to work program in a hospital setting. Results from a case study suggest that the return to work program reduced the average number of lost work days among injured employees. Implications of these results are discussed and future research is suggested.     

Written prayers and religious coping in a paediatric hospital setting

Hospitalised children represent a threatened future to parents. Such stressors call forth people's coping styles. Some individuals cope religiously or spiritually, and religious coping through prayer may be utilised. A sample of prayers written in a paediatric hospital chapel was coded by styles of religious coping evident within them. Styles associated with coping to gain control of their situation and with coping by seeking comfort from God were present. Seeking to cope for gaining control of a situation was more common than seeking comfort from God during the event. Written prayers did not contain evidence of coping by making meaning. Regression analysis showed that the probability of writing a prayer to gain control decreased over time and a trend towards increasing probability of writing a prayer expressing coping by seeking God's comfort. Clinical implications are discussed. Future research should include a larger sample and cognitive interviews with prayer writers.     

Updating to the WAIS-III and WMS-III: considerations for research and clinical practice

The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) and the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R) are the most commonly used intelligence and memory scales in both clinical and neuropsychology. In 1997, updated versions of these instruments (the WAIS-III and WMS-III) were published. Because of the extensive use of the WAIS-R and WMS-R in the field and the body of accumulated research, there is naturally some reluctance by clinicians and researchers to update to the new versions. It is sometimes difficult for clinicians who test individuals on repeated occasions to switch over to the new versions of the scales because of the difficulty of interpreting score discrepancy between the 2 versions. Researchers, especially those conducting longitudinal research, have a similar difficulty in changing measurement devices because of the possible threat of internal validity. This article reviews the substantive revisions of the scales and outlines those issues that users should take into consideration when updating to the new versions.