Academic studies on claimed past-life memories: A scoping review

This study reviews observational studies regarding alleged past-life memories published as scientific articles, and points out their bibliometric and methodological characteristics. Scientific databases were screened (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, PsycINFO, Scielo, and OpenGrey). The 78 in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Explore (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2022-05, Vol.18 (3), p.371-378
Main Authors: Moraes, Lucam J., Barbosa, Gabrielle S., Castro, João Pedro G.B., Tucker, Jim B., Moreira-Almeida, Alexander
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bibliometrics
Child
Children
Humans
Life after death
Observational Studies as Topic
Past-life memories
Reincarnation
Religion
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Summary:This study reviews observational studies regarding alleged past-life memories published as scientific articles, and points out their bibliometric and methodological characteristics. Scientific databases were screened (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, PsycINFO, Scielo, and OpenGrey). The 78 included studies were classified by their methodological and bibliometric characteristics. The peak of publications occurred from 1990 to 2010 (45%), and Asia was the most investigated territory (58 studies); most of investigations were related to children (84%) and case report was the predominant study design (60%). Interview was the predominant methodological approach (73%), followed by documental analysis (50%). Claimed past-life memories (100%), unusual behaviors (74%) and birthmarks/defects (37%) were the most investigated variables. Investigations of past-life memories should be encouraged around all cultures, and future studies should consider previous methodological features and try to overcome their limitations.
ISSN:1550-8307
1878-7541
DOI:10.1016/j.explore.2021.05.006