1
|
Dagnall N, Drinkwater KG, O’Keeffe C, Ventola A, Laythe B, Jawer MA, Massullo B, Caputo GB, Houran J. Things That Go Bump in the Literature: An Environmental Appraisal of "Haunted Houses". Front Psychol 2020; 11:1328. [PMID: 32595577 PMCID: PMC7304295 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper contains a narrative overview of the past 20-years of environmental research on anomalous experiences attributed to "haunted house." This exercise served as a much-needed update to an anthology of noteworthy overviews on ghosts, haunts, and poltergeists (Houran and Lange, 2001b). We also considered whether new studies had incorporated certain recommendations made in this anthology. Our search revealed a relative paucity of studies (n = 66) on environmental factors that ostensibly stimulate haunt-type experiences. This literature was diverse and often lacked methodological consistency and adherence to the prior suggestions. However, critical consideration of the content revealed a recurring focus on six ambient variables: embedded (static) cues, lighting levels, air quality, temperature, infrasound, and electromagnetic fields. Their relation to the onset or structure of witness reports showed mostly null, though sometimes inconsistent or weak outcomes. However, such research as related to haunts is arguably in its infancy and new designs are needed to account better for environmental and architectural phenomenology. Future studies should therefore address four areas: (i) more consistent and precise measurements of discrete ambient variables; (ii) the potential role of "Gestalt influences" that involve holistic environment-person interactions; (iii) individual differences in attentional or perceptual sensitivities of percipients to environmental variables; and (iv) the role of attitudinal and normative influences in the interpretation of environmental stimuli. Focused scrutiny on these issues should clarify the explanatory power of evolutionary-environmental models for these and related anomalous experiences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neil Dagnall
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Campus, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Kenneth G. Drinkwater
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Campus, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ciarán O’Keeffe
- School of Human & Social Sciences, Buckinghamshire New University, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
| | | | - Brian Laythe
- Institute for the Study of Religious and Anomalous Experience, Jeffersonville, IN, United States
| | | | | | | | - James Houran
- Laboratory for Statistics and Computation, ISLA—Instituto Politécnico de Gestão e Tecnologia, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
- Integrated Knowledge Systems, Dallas, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
The “Haunt” project: An attempt to build a “haunted” room by manipulating complex electromagnetic fields and infrasound. Cortex 2009; 45:619-29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2007.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2006] [Revised: 09/24/2007] [Accepted: 10/02/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
3
|
Suess LA, Persinger MA. Geophysical variables and behavior: XCVI. "Experiences" attributed to Christ and Mary at Marmora, Ontario, Canada may have been consequences of environmental electromagnetic stimulation: implications for religious movements. Percept Mot Skills 2001; 93:435-50. [PMID: 11769900 DOI: 10.2466/pms.2001.93.2.435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Since the year 1992 individuals and groups of people have reported religious experiences near Marmora, Ontario, Canada. The experiences, attributed to Christ or Mary, have occurred near the top of a hill adjacent to an open pit magnetite mine that has been accumulating about 15 million gallons of water per month for more than a decade. During the period between 1992 and 1997 epicentres for local seismic events moved significantly closer to this site. Most of the messages attributed to spiritual beings by "sensitive" individuals occurred one or two days after increased global geomagnetic activity. We suggest that conditions produced by local geophysical and geological properties created the odd lights and induced physiological changes within the thousands of people who visited the area. Direct measurements indicated that weak (0.1 microTesla to 1 microTesla) complex magnetic fields, the temporal patterns of which were similar to the experimental fields we have employed to evoke the sensed presence and altered states within the laboratory, may have been generated within the area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L A Suess
- Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Persinger MA, Tiller SG, Koren SA. Experimental simulation of a haunt experience and elicitation of paroxysmal electroencephalographic activity by transcerebral complex magnetic fields: induction of a synthetic "ghost"? Percept Mot Skills 2000; 90:659-74. [PMID: 10833767 DOI: 10.2466/pms.2000.90.2.659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
To test the hypothesis that experiences of apparitional phenomena with accompanying fear can be simulated within the laboratory, a 45-yr.-old journalist and professional musician who had experienced a classic haunt four years previously was exposed to 1 microTesla, complex, transcerebral magnetic fields. Within 10 min. after exposure to a frequency-modulated pattern applied over the right hemisphere, the man reported "rushes of fear" that culminated in the experience of an apparition. Concurrent electroencephalographic measurements showed conspicuous 1-sec.-to-2-sec. paroxysmal complex spikes (15 Hz) that accompanied the reports of fear. A second magnetic field pattern, applied bilaterally through the brain, was associated with pleasant experiences. The subject concluded that the synthetic experience of the apparition was very similar to the one experienced in the natural setting. The results of this experiment suggest that controlled simulation of these pervasive phenomena within the laboratory is possible and that this experimental protocol may help discern the physical stimuli that evoke their occurrence in nature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M A Persinger
- Department of Psychology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Houran J, Lange R. Hauntings and poltergeist-like episodes as a confluence of conventional phenomena: a general hypothesis. Percept Mot Skills 1996; 83:1307-16. [PMID: 9017745 DOI: 10.2466/pms.1996.83.3f.1307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Hauntings and poltergeist-like episodes are argued to be products of contagious reactions to ambiguous environmental or cognitive events. In particular, evidence suggests that the subjective and objective effects reported by percipients are the function of independent, nonparanoraml etiologies whose constitutions have been previously established and described. According to this multivariate model, the labeling of ambiguous events as "abnormal" or "paranormal" initiates the reactive process which is subsequently sustained by perceptual contagion, i.e., flurries of paranormal observations due self-reinforcing attentional processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Houran
- University of Illinois at Springfield 62794-9823, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bisson C, Persinger MA. Geophysical variables and behavior: LXXV. Possible increased incidence of brain tumors following an episode of luminous phenomena. Percept Mot Skills 1993; 77:1088-90. [PMID: 8170751 DOI: 10.2466/pms.1993.77.3f.1088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
If the tectonic strain theory for luminous phenomena be correct, then significant electromagnetic emissions and radon gas release should occur in focal regions in which people report an alleged "UFO flap." Considering the epidemiological evidence that these stimuli might promote the incidence of brain tumors, their occurrence during the 5 years before and the 5 years after the November, 1975 episode of multiple luminous displays within the Sudbury Basin (Canada) was examined. Compared to the adjacent control area, there was a significant increase in brain tumors after the episode for men (conservative odds ratio = 2.5) but not for women; however, the magnitude was well within the expected range of incidence within the general population. Such changes have theoretical implication but may have little clinical or health significance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Bisson
- Department of Psychology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Persinger MA. Geophysical variables and behavior: LV. Predicting the details of visitor experiences and the personality of experients: the temporal lobe factor. Percept Mot Skills 1989; 68:55-65. [PMID: 2648314 DOI: 10.2466/pms.1989.68.1.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The visitor experience, a more intense form of the normal sense of presence, emphasizes the deep belief of personal contact with an extraterrestrial (or religious) entity. Phenomenological details of visitor experiences are expected to reflect the functions of deep temporal lobe structures; common details involve cosmic meaningfulness, vestibular experiences, flickering, complex visual sensations and alimentary references. After intense experiences, interictal-like behaviors similar to religious conversions (widening affect, sense of personal, desire to spread the word, concern about Man's destiny) emerge. Normal people who are prone to these experiences show frequent temporal lobe signs and specific personality characteristics that include enhanced creativity, suggestibility, mild hypomania, anxiety, and emotional lability. Learning histories that encourage the use of right temporal lobe functions for the consolidation of memory, such as compartmentalization of beliefs or repression due to early sexual abuse, predispose to intense visitor experiences. The most frequent precipitants are psychological depression, personal (existential) stress and proximal exposure to the focal tectonic strain fields that accompany luminous phenomena. Possible neuropsychological mechanisms are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M A Persinger
- Department of Psychology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Persinger MA. Geophysical variables and behavior: LIII. Epidemiological considerations for incidence of cancer and depression in areas of frequent UFO reports. Percept Mot Skills 1988; 67:799-803. [PMID: 3067208 DOI: 10.2466/pms.1988.67.3.799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Luminous phenomena and anomalous physical forces have been hypothesized to be generated by focal tectonic strain fields that precede earthquakes. If these geophysical processes exist, then their spatial and temporal density should be greatest during periods of protracted, localized UFO reports; they might be used as dosimetric indicators. Contemporary epidemiological data concerning the health risks of power frequency electromagnetic fields and radon gas levels (expected correlates of certain tectonic strain fields), suggest that increased incidence (odds ratios greater 1:3) of brain tumors and leukemia should be evident within "flap" areas. In addition the frequency of variants of temporal lobe lability, psychological depression and posttraumatic stress should be significantly elevated. UFO field investigators, because they have repeated, intermittent close proximity to these fields, are considered to be a particularly high risk population for these disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M A Persinger
- Department of Psychology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Little GL. Geophysical Variables and Behavior: XLV. Review of Criticisms of Tectonic Strain Hypothesis. Percept Mot Skills 1987. [DOI: 10.2466/pms.1987.65.1.203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Few criticisms of tectonic strain hypothesis have appeared in either the professional or popular literature. Those that have appeared have tended to attack this correlational research on the basis that the data are unreliable and not comprehensive. This article reviews and comments on the criticisms and concludes that the current arguments against the theory are not valid. It is suggested that if the research can reach full experimental status, the explanation will become extremely useful and important.
Collapse
|
10
|
Kunzendorf RG. Geophysical Variables and Behavior: XL. Electromagnetic Stimulation of ‘Extrasensory’ Evoked Potentials. Percept Mot Skills 1987. [DOI: 10.2466/pms.1987.64.3.1015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In psychophysiological testing with 10 subjects, an electromagnetic stimulus evoked a long-latency cortical response similar to the long-latency component (P300) of an auditory evoked potential. On a signal-detection test, the electromagnet elicited no conscious sensations.
Collapse
|
11
|
Persinger MA. Geopsychology and geopsychopathology: mental processes and disorders associated with geochemical and geophysical factors. EXPERIENTIA 1987; 43:92-104. [PMID: 3792507 DOI: 10.1007/bf01940360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Temporal and regional variations in psychological processes have been associated with three geological factors. They are geochemical profiles, geomagnetic variations, and tectonic stresses. In the geochemical domain, copper, aluminum, zinc, and lithium may influence the incidence of thought disorders such as schizophrenia and senile dementia. These common elements are found in many soils and ground water. Geomagnetic variations have been correlated with enhanced anxiety, sleep disturbances, altered moods, and greater incidences of psychiatric admissions. The effects are usually brief but pervasive. Transient and very local epidemics of bizarre and unusual behaviors are sociological phenomena that sometimes precede increases in earthquake activity within a region; they have been hypothesized to be associated with tectonic strain. Many of the contemporary correlations between geological factors and human behavior are also apparent within historical data. The effects of geophysical and geochemical factors upon human behavior are not artifactual, but they are complex and often not detected by the limited scope of most studies.
Collapse
|
12
|
Gearhart L, Persinger MA. Geophysical variables and behavior: XXXIII. Onsets of historical and contemporary poltergeist episodes occurred with sudden increases in geomagnetic activity. Percept Mot Skills 1986; 62:463-6. [PMID: 3503252 DOI: 10.2466/pms.1986.62.2.463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Several researchers have reported that poltergeist episodes frequently begin on the day (+/- 1 day) of a sudden and intense increase in global geomagnetic activity. To test this visual observation, a near-complete account of these episodes for which the inception dates were recorded and verified was examined. Statistical analyses clearly indicated that global geomagnetic activity (aa index) on the day or day after the onset of these episodes was significantly higher than the geomagnetic activity on the days before or afterwards. The same temporal pattern was noted for historical cases and for those that have occurred more recently. The pattern was similar for episodes that occurred in North America and in Europe. The results were statistically significant and suggest that these unusual episodes may be some form of natural phenomena that are associated with geophysical factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Gearhart
- Department of Music, State University of New York, Buffalo 14260
| | | |
Collapse
|