Children's reports of past-life memories: a review

Explore (NY). 2008 Jul-Aug;4(4):244-8. doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2008.04.001.

Abstract

Researchers have studied young children's reports of past-life memories for the last 45 years. The children usually describe a recent, ordinary life, and many of them have given enough details so that one particular deceased individual has been identified to match the children's statements. These cases occur worldwide, and although they are easiest to find in cultures with a belief in reincarnation, many cases have been found in the West as well. This review explores the facets of this phenomenon and presents several recent American cases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child Behavior* / psychology
  • Death
  • Humans
  • Life
  • Life Change Events
  • Memory*
  • Parapsychology*
  • Psychology, Child*
  • Religion and Psychology*