Panoramic Memory: A Response to the Threat of Death

Abstract

Accounts from 205 persons who had encountered life-threatening danger were analyzed and among them sixty were found that included descriptions of panoramic memory. This phenomenon occurred most commonly among drowning victims and persons who, in the midst of accidents, believed they were about to die. It involved vivid recall of significant past experiences often spanning a lifetime. The memories were accompanied by sensory impressions and emotions appropriate to their content, often absorbing the attention of persons “reliving” them. This brief, life review appeared meaningful in terms of a perceived threat to life.