Abstract

Explored the role of visuospatial abilities in the occurrence of the out-of -body experience (OBE), with 24 university students and staff. A review of previous research with imagery questionnaires indicated the need for an investigation that would utilize a performance measure of visual imagery and for research into 3-dimensional imagery skills. The present study addressed each of these issues. Ss completed an assessment battery that included Betts' Questionnaire Upon Mental Imagery and the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire. Ss who previously had had an OBE did not differ from Ss who had not in visual imagery control, but Ss who had experienced an OBE did exhibit superior spatial abilities. The implications for the reported realism, vividness, and controllability of the OBE's perceptual-like content are considered. (20 ref)