Past Life Regression and Psychiatry: A Critical Analysis

Notice

This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.

Year : 2025 | Volume : 15 | Issue : 02 | Page :
    By

    Prashant Mahajan,

  • Somoshri Banerji MS,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology,Department of Neuroscience Albert Einstein college of Medicine, New York, United States
  2. Researcher, Department of Physiology,Department of Neuroscience Albert Einstein college of Medicine, New York, United States

Abstract

Past Life Regression (PLR) is a controversial therapeutic approach. It is done through hypnosis, which recovers memories of previous lives. Although PLR has gained some popularity in alternative medicine, it is heavily criticized in mainstream psychiatry. As the effects have not been empirically validated. This study provides a comprehensive exploration of Past Life Regression (PLR), offering insights into how it can be understood within the realm of psychiatry. It delves into the underlying mechanisms that drive PLR, shedding light on its theoretical foundations and practical applications. Furthermore, it examines the diverse ways in which PLR is utilized in psychiatric practice, highlighting its potential benefits and challenges. Beyond its clinical applications, this study also critically analyzes the ethical considerations surrounding PLR, addressing concerns about its validity, potential risks, and the responsibilities of practitioners. Additionally, it explores the dynamic interplay between belief systems, cognitive psychology, and psychotherapy, illustrating how personal and cultural perspectives influence both the perception and effectiveness of PLR. Through this multidimensional approach, the study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of PLR’s role in modern psychiatry and its broader implications in therapeutic settings.

Keywords: Past Life Regression, Hypnotherapy, Psychotherapy, Psychiatry and Cognitive Psychology.

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews: A Journal of Neuroscience ]

How to cite this article:
Prashant Mahajan, Somoshri Banerji MS. Past Life Regression and Psychiatry: A Critical Analysis. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Neuroscience. 2025; 15(02):-.
How to cite this URL:
Prashant Mahajan, Somoshri Banerji MS. Past Life Regression and Psychiatry: A Critical Analysis. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Neuroscience. 2025; 15(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjons/article=2025/view=212828


References

  1. Antelo E, Saldaña O, Guilera G, Rodríguez-Carballeira Á. Psychosocial difficulties in survivors of group psychological abuse: Development and validation of a new measure using classical test theory and item response theory. Psychology of violence. 2021 May;11(3):286.
  2. Saldaña O, Antelo E, Rodríguez-Carballeira Á. Group psychological abuse perpetration: Development and validation of a measure using classical and modern test theory. Psychology of violence. 2023 Jul;13(4):338.
  3. Brewin CR, Andrews B. Memory accused: Research on memory error and its relevance for the courtroom. Criminal Law Review. 2019;9:748.
  4. Giesbrecht T, Lynn SJ, Lilienfeld SO, Merckelbach H. Cognitive processes in dissociation: an analysis of core theoretical assumptions. Psychological bulletin. 2008 Sep;134(5):617.
  5. Ditta AS, Storm BC. A consideration of the seven sins of memory in the context of creative cognition. Creativity Research Journal. 2018 Oct 2;30(4):402-17.
  6. McCarrick D, Prestwich A, O’Connor DB. Perseverative cognition and health behaviours: exploring the role of intentions and perceived behavioural control. Psychology & health. 2024 Sep 1;39(9):1183-99.
  7. Brewin CR, Andrews B. Memory accused: Research on memory error and its relevance for the courtroom. Criminal Law Review. 2019;9:748.
  8. Lilienfeld SO. Psychological treatments that cause harm. Perspectives on psychological science. 2007 Mar;2(1):53-70.
  9. Lynn SJ, Maxwell R, Merckelbach H, Lilienfeld SO, van Heugten-van der Kloet D, Miskovic V. Dissociation and its disorders: Competing models, future directions, and a way forward. Clinical psychology review. 2019 Nov 1;73:101755..
  10. Schimmenti A. Dissociative experiences and dissociative minds: exploring a nomological network of dissociative functioning. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation. 2016 May 26;17(3):338-61.
  11. Holden JM. Many lives, many masters, by Brian L. Weiss: New York, NY: Simon and Schuster, 1988, 219 pp. $8.95 (pb).
  12. Marks M, Jin Q, Sturman O, von Ziegler L, Kollmorgen S, von der Behrens W, Mante V, Bohacek J, Yanik MF. Deep-learning-based identification, tracking, pose estimation and behaviour classification of interacting primates and mice in complex environments. Nature machine intelligence. 2022 Apr;4(4):331-40.
  13. Sturman O, von Ziegler L, Schläppi C, Akyol F, Privitera M, Slominski D, Grimm C, Thieren L, Zerbi V, Grewe B, Bohacek J. Deep learning-based behavioral analysis reaches human accuracy and is capable of outperforming commercial solutions. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2020 Oct;45(11):1942-52.
  14. Mathis MW, Mathis A. Deep learning tools for the measurement of animal behavior in neuroscience. Current opinion in neurobiology. 2020 Feb 1;60:1-1.
Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 15
Issue 02
Received 31/01/2025
Accepted 25/03/2025
Published 07/06/2025
Publication Time 127 Days
111


My IP

PlumX Metrics