Total scores of the NDE-C scale were positively correlated with EDI total scores and, although less strongly, the EII and NR-6 scores. We found higher EDI total scores compared with EII total scores in our sample. Based on prior hypotheses, ratings of specific NDE-C items pertaining to out-of-body experiences and a sense of unity were used for correlational analyses. They also completed the Nature-Relatedness Scale (NR-6) which measures the trait-like construct of oneвЂ™s self-identification with nature.

Participants completed the Ego-Dissolution Inventory (EDI) and the Ego-Inflation Inventory (EII) to assess the experience of ego dissolution and inflation potentially experienced during their NDE, respectively. Eighty participants had their NDEs in life-threatening situations and 20 had theirs not related to life-threatening situations. We surveyed 100 NDE experiencers (Near-Death-Experience Content scale total score в‰Ґ27/80). However, no empirical studies have been conducted to explore the frequency or intensity of these effects. Many people who have had a near-death experience (NDE) describe, as part of it, a disturbed sense of having a вЂњdistinct selfвЂќ. Authors may use MDPI'sД®nglish editing service prior to publication or during author revisions. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. Brain Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts should be submitted online at by registering and logging in to this website. We are accepting original papers on behavioral and neuroimaging data, as well as reviews and meta-analyses. In this context, this Special Issue aims to give an overview on recent advances in the understanding of the neural correlates of (1) conscious awareness and (2) altered states of consciousness by means of studies on patients with disorders of consciousness, sleep and anesthesia but also research on hypnosis, meditation, psychedelics, and so on. In conjunction, these investigations have contributed to our current understanding of the neural correlates of conscious awareness and its modified states in both physiological and pathological states. Other studies have focused on sleep and anesthesia.

During the last decade, researchers have began to investigate brain activity in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) following severe brain injury. This ability stems from recent advances in technology and especially from emerging functional neuroimaging and electrophysiology studies. While philosophers have pondered upon the mindвЂ“brain conundrum for millennia, scientists have only recently been able to explore the connection analytically through measurements and perturbations of the brainвЂ™s activity. As the anatomical and physiological correlates of consciousness are complex, the interplay between arousal and awareness is incompletely understood, and a plethora of questions remain unsolved, limiting our understanding of human consciousness.Дifferent approaches exist to studying human consciousness and its altered states. To date, consciousness is defined as a multifaceted concept described as comprising two major components: arousal and awareness. Understanding consciousness remains one of the greatest mysteries for science to solve. Human consciousness is a fascinating field which, beyond extensive research, is still widely unexplored.

Altered states of consciousness