BAE 2.5

Magazine Overview

Title: Bulletin of Anomalous Experience
Issue: Volume 2, Number 5
Date: September 1991

This issue of the Bulletin of Anomalous Experience (BAE), a bimonthly networking newsletter for scientists and mental health professionals interested in the UFO "Abduction" phenomenon, covers a range of topics from epidemiology and psychology to theoretical physics. The publication aims to provide a forum for dissemination of information and ongoing debate, treading a path between academia and the marketplace.

Editorial Musings

The editor notes that this issue was delayed due to a mail strike in Canada. They mention receiving issue #9 of "UFO - Rivista Di Informazione Ufologica" from Italy, which features a lengthy article on abductions by Paolo Toselli, discussing various interpretations and the views of prominent researchers in the field. The editor also observes a "dry spell" in new experiencer contacts, despite personal media appearances, and questions if other therapists are experiencing a similar drop in cases.

Speaking of Dry Spells

This section highlights the inclusion of items from scientific and medical literature, reflecting the editor's interest in anomalous experiences. Topics covered include the "fantasy-prone personality," "temporal lobe lability," and the "holographic paradigm," framed by Arthur Koestler's observation on the interplay between conceptual frameworks and creative imagination. The editor solicits reader feedback on their interest in these topics.

Mail

A clarification from David Hufford addresses a comment made in a previous issue regarding "UFO - Rivista Di Informazione Ufologica" (IUR) being "too theory laden." Hufford clarifies that this was not intended as criticism and expresses respect for IUR, explaining that "theory laden" is not pejorative and that ambiguity in categories can be useful for research. He advocates for increasing points of view to advance knowledge.

Conference News

Announcements for "The UFO Experience," a weekend conference in North Haven, Connecticut, featuring speakers like Don Berliner, Stanton Friedman, Budd Hopkins, and Linda Moulton Howe, discussing topics from crashed flying saucers to animal mutilations and human abductions. The conference also includes a photo exhibit by the Center for UFO Studies.

Therapy Tool for Children

Details are provided for "Let's Talk" Coloring Books by Jean Mundy, Ph.D., illustrated by Sally Bell. These books are designed to help therapists interview and treat children, especially those who have experienced sexual abuse, by encouraging expression. An accompanying manual offers questions and interpretive guidelines.

"Envelope Epidemiology:" Estimated Prevalence of EAT Syndrome

By John G. Miller, M.D., FACEP

This article presents "envelope epidemiology" estimates for the prevalence of EAT (Alien Abduction) Syndrome. Miller calculates a Lifetime Prevalence Rate, defined as the number of individuals who have ever had a particular syndrome divided by the population. He estimates the numerator (N) using a formula that accounts for known cases (C), a non-awareness factor (A), and an under-reporting factor (R). For the L.A./Orange County area (population ~11,000,000), with C=90, A=5, and R=10, the estimated N is 4500, resulting in a prevalence rate of 4 cases per 10,000. For the U.S.A. (population 250,000,000), with C=4000 (based on Budd Hopkins' letters), A=5, and R=10, the estimated N is 200,000, resulting in a prevalence rate of 8 cases per 10,000. Miller acknowledges the assumptions but finds the similarity of the estimates remarkable and hopes to stimulate further research.

Temporal Lobe Lability Reflections

This section presents thoughts from David Hufford on Michael Persinger's theories, emphasizing phenomenology. Hufford discusses the "cultural source hypothesis" and argues that rigorous comparison of experiences confounds it, suggesting that basic, phenomenological patterns are more specific than Persinger implies. He references his own work on sleep paralysis and the "bizarre experiences of nocturnal assault" as evidence for neurophysiological factors, but notes that these do not fully account for the subjective elements of the experience. Hufford also questions Persinger's reasoning on causal connections and the role of geomagnetic events, arguing that the issue of whether something "real" is happening depends on how perceptions fulfill criteria for alleged observations. He emphasizes the importance of internal evidence for believers.

UFOs In The Atlantic!

This piece reviews an article in The Atlantic Monthly by James S. Gordon, a professor of psychiatry. Gordon's article, based on observations at the Rocky Mountain UFO Conference, suggests that most UFO experiencers are not suffering from serious psychopathology but rather have rich fantasy lives. He compares them to shamans, noting that they often feel both hopeful and disturbed, and are committed to a healing vocation. The article highlights the work of Leo Sprinkle and June Parnell in encouraging people to transform their UFO experiences.

Fantasy-Prone Personality: Recent Findings

This section discusses the "fantasy-prone personality" (FPP) hypothesis and its relevance to UFO cases. A study by Robert E. Bartholomew, Keith Basterfield, and George S. Howard examined 152 UFO abductees and contactees, finding that 87% exhibited major FPP symptoms. The authors suggest that clinicians should consider testing for fantasy proneness in cases where psychopathological diagnosis is not obvious. The study's findings are presented in a table comparing FPP, control groups, and UFO experiencers on various phenomena like psychic phenomena, out-of-body experiences, and apparitions. The article quotes Wilson and Barber on how understanding FPP can enrich the lives of individuals.

The Holographic Paradigm

This section introduces the "holographic paradigm," a concept from Transpersonal Psychology, popularized by Michael Talbot in his book "The Holographic Universe." The paradigm posits that the universe is a giant hologram, linking matter and consciousness. It suggests that mystical, psychic, and UFO experiences can be explained by this theory. The article details the experimental work of David Bohm and Karl Pribram that led to the paradigm. It discusses how memories might be distributed throughout the brain, not localized, and how a piece of holographic film contains the entire image, even when fragmented. The concept of "implicate" (enfolded) and "explicate" (unfolded) orders is explained, with the universe's tangible reality being an "illusion" based on a deeper order. The article also touches on "non-ordinary states of consciousness" and how they provide evidence for this hidden holographic order.

UFOs and the Holographic Model

This part of the article explores how the holographic paradigm applies to UFO phenomena. It suggests that UFOs are evidence of the link between mind and matter, being neither purely subjective nor objective but "omnijective." The idea is supported by researchers like Peter M. Rojcewicz, who views UFO phenomena as "imaginal/omnijective." The article questions the ultimate identity of these beings, whether they are psychic projections or alien intelligences, and suggests that our minds might be sculpting their appearance. It also touches on the idea that these beings might be probing aspects of us for which we have no labels, such as "subtle anatomy of our energy selves."

The participation of the observer affects what is observed

This section argues for a shift from objectivity to a more participatory approach in science, especially in a holographic universe. It suggests that the act of observing is as important as the observation itself, leading scientists to become more like experiencers. The concept of "omnijective" reality implies that strict objectivity is impossible, and that our minds may be shaping the phenomena we observe.

Recent Abstracts of Interest

Two abstracts are presented:

1. Elevated, specific temporal lobe signs in a population engaged in psychic studies: This study by Persinger and Fisher found that individuals involved in psychic studies showed more frequent temporal lobe signs compared to a reference group, suggesting a link between temporal lobe function and belief in exotic phenomena.
2. Hypnotic susceptibility and dream characteristics: This study by Zamore and Barrett examined the relationship between hypnotic susceptibility and various dream characteristics, using a questionnaire that synthesized existing inventories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the psychological and theoretical interpretations of anomalous experiences, particularly UFO abductions. The "fantasy-prone personality" hypothesis is presented as an alternative to psychopathological explanations, and the "holographic paradigm" offers a speculative, physics-based framework for understanding these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging debate and the exploration of diverse perspectives, while also acknowledging the limitations of current data and the need for rigorous phenomenological description. The publication emphasizes its role as a networking tool for professionals in the field.

Title: Bulletin of Anomalous Experience
Issue: Vol. 2, No. 5
Date: September 1991

This issue delves into psychological approaches to trauma and explores various anomalous experiences. It features a prominent article on Eye Movement Desensitization and Retraining (EMD/R) as a treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), alongside research on childhood traumas and the concept of metachoric experiences.

Eye Movement Desensitization: A New Treatment for PTSD

The lead article, "Eye Movement Desensitization: A New Treatment for PTSD," by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., introduces EMD/R, a technique developed by the author. The procedure involves using saccadic eye movements to help clients desensitize traumatic memories. The article notes that Leo Sprinkle, a UFO experiencer, was impressed with this technique and believes it can benefit UFO experiencers suffering from "experienced anomalous trauma."

Shapiro's paper, originally published in the Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, describes EMD/R as a method that elicits large-magnitude, rhythmic saccadic eye movements while clients focus on the most salient aspect of a traumatic memory. This process results in a lasting reduction of anxiety, changes in cognitive assessment of the memory, and cessation of flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and sleep disturbances. It can be highly effective in a single session and does not require hierarchical approaches or prolonged high anxiety, unlike traditional desensitization or flooding techniques.

The general procedure involves the client maintaining awareness of the traumatic image, a negative self-statement, and the physical anxiety response, while simultaneously tracking the therapist's finger with their eyes. The therapist guides the client through multi-saccadic eye movements, typically 12-24 sets, with brief pauses for assessment of SUDs (Subjective Units of Distress Scale) levels and cognitive shifts.

The article discusses the potential mechanisms behind EMD/R's effectiveness, speculating that rhythmic eye movements might represent an automatic inhibitory or excitation-releasing mechanism, possibly related to REM sleep. While the exact theoretical basis is still unclear and requires further empirical evidence and replication, the procedure is presented as extremely effective in desensitizing traumatic memories and eliminating attendant complaints characteristic of PTSD.

Childhood Traumas: Outline and Overview

This section summarizes an article by Lenore C. Terr, L.C., from the American Journal of Psychiatry, as presented by Donald Gof, M.D., in Psychiatrist's Clinical Update. Terr's work focuses on the psychological aftermath of traumatic episodes in children.

Terr defines childhood trauma as the mental result of a sudden event or external blows that render a child temporarily helpless, breaking ordinary coping mechanisms. She categorizes traumas into Type I (single, sudden blows) and Type II (long-standing or repeated ordeals).

Four characteristics are emphasized as occurring in traumatized children regardless of age or time elapsed since the trauma:
1. Strongly visualized or repeatedly perceived memories.
2. Repetitive behaviors.
3. Trauma-specific fears.
4. Changed attitudes about people and life.

The article further elaborates on the differences between Type I and Type II trauma victims. Type I victims often have clear, precise memories, while Type II victims tend to develop amnesias and have spotty recall, possibly due to dissociative defenses. Traumatized children often exhibit multiple fears, including fear of the dark and being alone, but a hallmark is the fear of specific situations or objects directly related to the trauma. Trauma can shatter a child's sense of invincibility, leading to a conviction that future traumas are inevitable and preoccupation with explaining "Why me?"

Repetitively abused children are less likely to explain the cause and more likely to focus on avoiding future harm. These children can experience profound affective changes, including numbness, sadness, and rage, and are often diagnosed with affective disorders, conduct disorders, attention deficit disorder, or dissociative disorders. They may display indifference to pain, lack of empathy, and avoidance of intimacy, with dissociative symptoms like bodily anesthesia, feelings of invisibility, and amnesias. The rage can be directed inward, leading to self-injury or mutilation, and may contribute to borderline personality in adults.

Metachoric Experiences and Anomalous Phenomena

An excerpt from Science News (May 25/91) titled "Traumatic Memories: Lost and Found" discusses Lenore C. Terr's research, noting that distressing memories of childhood traumas, especially from repeated abuse, may lie dormant until triggered in adulthood. Dissociation, a psychological detachment from surroundings and self, is identified as a key factor in memory gaps.

The article also touches upon "Waking dreams and other metachoric experiences" by C. Green, published in the Psychiatric Journal of the University of Ottawa. This paper summarizes the development of the concept of metachoric experiences since 1961. Initially, lucid dreams, out-of-the-body experiences (OBEs), and false awakenings were recognized. The Institute's 1968 appeal for apparitional experiences led to the recognition that many of these were likely metachoric. The study of apparitions also contributed to the concept of waking dreams—completely hallucinatory experiences that can occur without awareness of discontinuity. These experiences can seem extended in time and may offer explanations for anomalous phenomena such as UFO sightings and other psychical research cases. The paper discusses the well-known Versailles experience and a case by C.G. Jung, exploring similarities and differences between these types of experiences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the psychological impact of trauma, particularly in children, and the exploration of unusual or anomalous subjective experiences. The magazine presents therapeutic interventions like EMD/R as potentially effective tools for dealing with trauma-related disorders, including those experienced by UFO experiencers. There is an underlying stance that subjective experiences, even those considered anomalous, warrant investigation and may have psychological explanations or therapeutic applications. The inclusion of research on childhood trauma highlights the long-lasting effects of adverse experiences and the importance of understanding their manifestations. The discussion of metachoric experiences suggests an openness to exploring phenomena that blur the lines between reality and hallucination, linking them to potential explanations for reported sightings and unusual states of consciousness.