What Is IANDS?
IANDS stands for the International Association for Near-Death Studies — the primary membership organization and educational resource dedicated to the study and understanding of NDE (Near-Death Experience) and related phenomena. Founded in 1981, IANDS provides support for experiencers, education for healthcare professionals, and a scholarly framework for NDE research through its peer-reviewed journal, conferences, and network of local support groups.
Mission and Activities
IANDS serves three overlapping communities. For experiencers, it provides validation, peer support, and resources for integrating NDEs and other STEs (Spiritually Transformative Experiences) into daily life. For healthcare professionals, it offers education on how to recognize, respond to, and support patients who report NDEs — addressing a significant gap in medical and psychological training. For researchers, it publishes the Journal of Near-Death Studies (the field’s primary academic publication since 1981) and hosts annual conferences that bring together clinicians, researchers, and experiencers.
The Journal of Near-Death Studies
The Journal of Near-Death Studies is the only peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated entirely to NDE research. It publishes original research, theoretical articles, cross-cultural studies, and case reports. The journal’s archives represent the most comprehensive collection of scholarly NDE literature in existence and are frequently cited in broader consciousness research. Publication in a dedicated peer-reviewed journal has been critical to maintaining academic standards in a field that might otherwise be dismissed as anecdotal.
Support Network
IANDS maintains a network of local support groups (called Sharing Groups) in multiple countries where experiencers can discuss their NDEs in a safe, non-judgmental environment. This support function addresses a well-documented need — many NDE experiencers report difficulty discussing their experiences with family, friends, and healthcare providers, leading to isolation and difficulty integrating the experience. IANDS’ support infrastructure is modeled on the recognition that NDEs, while often profoundly positive, can also create significant adjustment challenges.
Related Terms
IANDS is connected to NDE (Near-Death Experience), OBE (Out-of-Body Experience), STE (Spiritually Transformative Experience), ADC (After-Death Communication), and academic research institutions including DOPS (Division of Perceptual Studies) at the University of Virginia and IONS (Institute of Noetic Sciences). The organization’s work complements the broader field of consciousness research and PSI (Parapsychological Phenomena) studies.