The experimental induction of out-of-body experiences
Henrik H. Ehrsson · 2007 · Science, 317(5841), 1048
This source is used as challenges evidence across 2 linked claims and 4 related evidence hubs. Its citation record is marked verified; that verifies the source trail, not the truth of any linked claim.
Summary
Experimental illusion in which participants experienced self-location outside the physical body through manipulated visual perspective and multisensory body stimulation.
How this source is used on the map
Shows that OBE-like self-location can be induced through multisensory perception, weakening literal body-leaving interpretations while supporting the reality of the experience.
Citation record
- Authors
- Henrik H. Ehrsson
- Year
- 2007
- Publication
- Science, 317(5841), 1048
- Source type
- Study
- Map role
- challenges
- Credibility level
- primary
- Citation status
- Verified
- DOI
- 10.1126/science.1142175
- PubMed
- Recorded
- Not recorded
Linked claims
An interpretive overlay on OBE, positing literal travel through 'astral' space. No controlled evidence beyond the OBE phenomenon itself.
OBEs are reliably triggered by temporo-parietal junction stimulation and certain drug states; veridical perception is rare and contested. 'Astral projection' is the same phenomenon read maximally — as literal travel through an astral plane — with no independent evidence beyond the OBE itself.
Related evidence hubs
Psychedelic, contemplative, and out-of-body experiences and what they may reveal.
Psychedelic, contemplative, out-of-body experience.
Structured experiences during cardiac arrest and crisis.
The nature of subjective experience.
Related research reports
Related sources
Core neuroscience counterweight for OBE pages because it links the felt sense of bodily self-location to brain mechanisms.
Academic frame for first-person mystical and psychedelic experience reports, especially when users ask whether an experience can justify a metaphysical belief.
Supports the reality of lucid dreaming as a measurable state while leaving spiritual interpretations of dream travel or insight as separate claims.
Use this for the astral-projection interpretation layer. Pair it with out-of-body and neurological sources so the claimed travel mechanism is not confused with the broader OBE phenomenon.
Use this for the broad OBE phenomenon. It should sit beside astral-projection and NDE sources so the experience, neurological mechanisms, and spiritual interpretation remain separate.