BAE 5.3

Magazine Overview

Title: Bulletin of Anomalous Experience
Issue: Volume 5, Number 3
Date: June 1994

This issue of the Bulletin of Anomalous Experience (BAE) focuses on the complex and often controversial topic of alien abductions, examining it from various perspectives including psychological, ethical, and scientific.

Editorial: Lessons from ISSD

David Gotlib's editorial reflects on his experience at the International Society for the Study of Dissociation (ISSD) conference. He notes similarities between the study of dissociative disorders and abductions, both facing public sensationalism and accusations of misdiagnosis. However, he observes two key differences: the dissociative disorders field actively engages with its critics, acknowledging valid issues raised by the False Memory Syndrome Foundation, and it benefits from extensive scientific research, particularly regarding multiple personality disorder (MPD). Gotlib contrasts this with the abduction field, which he feels compares poorly in its consideration of criticism and rigorous scientific research. He points out the minimization or ignoring of research findings that challenge the reality of abductions, citing Ken Ring's Omega Project and the community's reaction to Spanos's findings on sleep-related experiences.

Mail

Comment on "The Meaningfulness of 'Mass Hallucination'"

Kevin McClure and Steve Mizrach engage in a discussion about mass sightings of the Virgin Mary (BVM) and the nature of anomalous experiences. McClure argues that while 'mass' BVM sightings are rare, the concept of multiple hallucinations is still relevant. Mizrach emphasizes the need to avoid assumptions when synthesizing explanations for anomalous experiences and highlights lessons from BVM visions regarding investigator effects and the dangers of belief overlay.

Comment on "On Comparing Disbelief of the Holocaust to Disbelief of Anomalous Experiences"

Alexander Imich, Ph.D., critiques Georgia Flamburis's comparison between disbelief in the Holocaust and disbelief in anomalous experiences (specifically abductions). Imich argues that the Holocaust has objective evidence, while abductions lack it, making the analogy inappropriate and potentially damaging to abduction credibility. He questions Flamburis's assertion that the trauma of abductions is comparable to the Holocaust.

Georgia Flamburis replies, clarifying that her comparison was not about the nature of the experiences themselves but about the implications of disbelief. She emphasizes the difference in evidence levels between the Holocaust (real event level with objective proof) and abductions (lack of consensus on physical evidence). She explains her statement about trauma, noting that while abductees may experience physical symptoms, they are not systematically murdered or deprived of basic human needs as Holocaust victims were. She also touches on the 'different reality levels' of abduction experiences, which are not fully understood.

Comments on "Too Much of a Good Thing?"

This section addresses reader feedback on the length and frequency of BAE. While some suggest shortening the publication, Kevin McClure expresses a desire for the magazine to remain as is. A survey form is included for readers to vote on these matters.

Networking

Parapsychology Foundation Counselling Bureau

This section promotes the Parapsychology Foundation's Counseling Bureau as a resource for people seeking therapists familiar with abduction experiences. It encourages licensed clinicians to register with the Bureau.

Psychoscience: The Journal of the Society for Theoretical Psychiatry

This entry introduces Psychoscience, a journal focused on the study of the psyche as a scientific discipline. It highlights an introductory issue available to BAE subscribers, featuring an article by the late physicist David Bohm.

RIAP Bulletin

The RIAP Bulletin is presented as the official newsletter of the Research Institute on Anomalous Phenomena (RIAP), focusing on non-classical SETI research. It details the contents of its first issue, including papers on astrodynamics and UFOs as objects of study, and mentions future planned articles on the Tunguska explosion and ET objects.

The Scientific and Medical Network

This section describes The Scientific and Medical Network as an informal international group of scientists and professionals dedicated to deepening understanding in science, medicine, and education. It emphasizes fostering rational and intuitive insights, exploring concepts beyond generally accepted theories, and maintaining high scientific and ethical standards. The Network's activities include a members' directory, a periodical, and conferences.

Reviews

Abduction: Human Encounters With Aliens by John Mack, M.D. (Review #1 by David Gotlib, M.D.)

David Gotlib reviews John Mack's book, finding it disappointing for critical readers. He identifies two central flaws: the lack of substantial discussion on the reliability of hypnotic recall and the uncritical acceptance of the abduction scenario developed by Budd Hopkins and David Jacobs. Gotlib argues that Mack dismisses the issue of memory reliability as irrelevant, citing a lack of studies on traumatic memory recall under hypnosis. He points out that the scientific consensus is that distinguishing real memories from confabulations is difficult without corroborating evidence. Gotlib criticizes Mack for embracing 'co-creation' of information, which he argues makes historical accuracy unreliable. He also notes Mack's departure from Hopkins and Jacobs' conclusion that abductions are 100% physical, while still accepting their basic model. Further criticisms include unanswered questions about methodology, the limited number of case studies presented, and the lack of psychological profiles due to perceived cost and time constraints.

Gotlib also highlights Mack's misrepresentation of studies regarding personality types associated with abductions, particularly Kenneth Ring's concept of an 'encounter-prone personality,' which Mack omits the crucial link to childhood abuse and trauma. Mack's interpretation of Spanos's study is also criticized for ignoring findings related to sleep problems. Gotlib concludes that Mack's redefinition of 'real' has profound implications for psychiatric diagnoses and that his argument effectively excludes rational analysis by suggesting that words like 'happening' and 'occurred' need to be thought of differently. The review notes Mack's confused discussion of physical manifestations of abductions, which are described as both physical and non-physical.

Abduction: Human Encounters With Aliens by John Mack, M.D. (Review #2: Additional Thoughts on Abduction by Stuart Appelle, Ph.D.)

Stuart Appelle provides a commentary on David Gotlib's review of Mack's book. Appelle agrees that Mack's work dismisses or unconvincingly addresses issues central to public and professional skepticism. He notes that Mack calls for abandoning traditional forms of evidence, interpreting the abduction experience as profoundly important but not offering empirical proof. Appelle states that Mack acknowledges that abduction experiences 'makes much sense within the modern worldview brought to us by Western science'. He suggests that Mack's approach, by dismissing Western science and setting up simplistic dichotomies, undermines the paradigm shift he advocates, rather than encouraging it.

Feature Articles

• Alternate World Syndrome (AWS), by Michael Heim: This article likely explores a concept related to altered states of consciousness or reality perception associated with anomalous experiences.
• UFO Abductions and Race Fear, by Steve Mizrach: This article probably examines the psychological and social implications of UFO abductions, particularly concerning racial anxieties and their connection to these experiences.
• Some Spiritual Resonances In Encounter Recollections: Cognizance of the Pathology of Guilt, and Healing - Part 2, by Edward Carlos: This installment continues an exploration of the spiritual aspects found in recollections of encounters, focusing on guilt and healing.

From the Scientific Literature

Persinger's Corner

This section likely features contributions or discussions related to the work of Michael Persinger, known for his research on the 'God Helmet' and its effects on subjective experiences.

Recent Abstracts

This part of the magazine presents summaries of recent scientific literature relevant to anomalous experiences.

Experiencers' Section

Symbolic and Mythical Components of the Abduction Experience, by Chris McLachlan

This article delves into the symbolic and mythical elements that appear in the accounts of individuals who report abduction experiences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of abduction phenomena, the reliability of memory, and the ethical considerations in research and therapy. The editorial stance, as articulated by David Gotlib, is one of advocating for more rigorous scientific inquiry, greater engagement with criticism, and a cautious approach to interpreting anomalous experiences, particularly when they challenge established scientific paradigms. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between subjective experience and objective evidence, and on the importance of methodological soundness in research.

Title: Bulletin of Anomalous Experience
Issue: Volume 5 Number 3
Date: June 1994

This issue of the Bulletin of Anomalous Experience (BAE) delves into the complex and often controversial intersections of UFO abduction phenomena, psychological interpretation, and societal anxieties. The publication serves as a networking newsletter for mental health professionals and interested scientists, providing a forum for ideas, information, and debate on anomalous experiences.

Article 1: Mack's Interpretation of Abduction Experiences

The issue critically examines John Mack's interpretation of UFO abduction experiences, particularly his argument for accepting their reality based on criteria other than conventional scientific evidence. Mack suggests that science has limitations and that the "politics of ontology" determines what is considered real. He proposes that understanding abductions requires a different kind of consciousness, a "co-creative" process where information is discovered within experiencers. Mack questions the appropriateness of determining what literally happened, instead focusing on consistency among experiences, emotional conviction, and the impact on the experiencer's life. The article notes that reviews of Mack's book, "Abduction," have largely rejected his methodology, suspecting that his "co-creative intuitive process" may have influenced the consistency and conviction he identified. Critics point to Mack's involvement in ecological causes and the exposure of clients to his themes as potential influences. The article highlights Mack's vision of abductees as pioneers on a hero's journey, opening to new dimensions, and his role in helping them acknowledge their experiences and their gifts.

Article 2: The Psychological Impact of Virtual Reality

Michael Heim, a philosopher and consultant in virtual reality (VR), introduces the concepts of Alternate World Syndrome (AWS) and Alternate World Disorder (AWD). AWS is described as an acute form of body amnesia in VR users, where discrepancies between head-mounted displays and actual movement create unease. AWD is a chronic form where virtual world experiences distort functioning in the primary world, leading to errors and a sense of merging yet being out of phase with technology. Heim suggests that VR offers a clue to understanding the UFO abduction experience, seeing it as a culmination of the artificial, technology-driven world that humans inhabit but have not yet assimilated. He draws parallels between VR and dreams, noting that both substitute normal sensory input. Heim proposes somatic movement, such as Tai Chi, as a treatment for AWS and AWD, aiming to reintegrate the conscious mind with the primary body.

Article 3: UFO Abductions and Race Fear

Steve Mizrach, a cultural anthropologist, explores the connection between UFO abductions and anxieties over interracial marriage and "cross-breeding." He argues that both phenomena are "underground" and often ignored by social scientists. Mizrach draws parallels between UFO abductions and historical panics like the "witch craze" and "white slavery" panic, where concerns about women mating with "outsiders" were central. He discusses the "hybridization hypothesis" promoted by UFO investigators like Budd Hopkins and John Mack, suggesting that the "Grays" are creating a "hybrid race" and that the color gray is significant as a mix of black and white. The article notes that UFO abduction cases are more prevalent in Anglo-Saxon countries, which also face race problems. Mizrach also touches upon the Neo-Nazi obsession with extraterrestrial "bloodlines" and the idea that different races were "seeded" by alien groups. He suggests that UFO abductions may involve "real" experiences but cautions against interpretations that solely focus on race fear, advocating for separating the panic from the phenomenon.

Article 4: Spiritual Resonances in Encounter Recollections

Edward Carlos, Ph.D., continues his essay on encounter recollections, focusing on the pathology of guilt and healing. He discusses James Hillman's ideas on archetypal imagery and the psyche's need for meaning. Carlos emphasizes that encounter imagery, whether induced by hypnosis or direct experience, is essential for expressing the experience. He notes that while the initial experience may be traumatic, it can lead to spiritual transformation and a sense of cosmic consciousness. He draws parallels with "The Tibetan Book of the Dead," suggesting that the imagery encountered in UFO experiences is similar to the "bardo" states described in Tibetan Buddhism, serving as a catalyst for spiritual cognition. Carlos advocates for a reflective attitude and active participation in understanding these experiences, viewing them as a spiritual journey.

Capsule Reviews

"Reunions" by Raymond Moody, M.D.

This review praises Moody's minimalist approach to writing about profound subjects. "Reunions" focuses on facilitating visionary encounters with the dead through "mirror-gazing" techniques in a laboratory setting. The book is described as presenting findings in a simple, charming manner with enough scientific underpinnings to pique curiosity.

"Suggestions of Abuse" by Michael Yapko, Ph.D.

This review highlights Yapko's book as a balanced approach to the "False Memory Syndrome." It focuses on the mechanisms of false memories, their impact on clients and families, and offers suggestions for therapists and clients to avoid the "false memory trap." The book is recommended for anyone interested in the false memory controversy or working with abuse issues and recovered memories.

Psi and Clinical Practice

This section reviews the proceedings of an international conference on psi and clinical practice. The book, edited by Lisette Coly and Joanne D.S. McMahon, is described as a gem of interest to abduction researchers due to the tendency for abductees to report subjective paranormal experiences. The papers cover theoretical, investigative, and clinical aspects of psi, with discussions included. The review highlights the debate on understanding psi and counseling individuals reporting psychic experiences, emphasizing its scholarly and compassionate approach.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the interpretation of anomalous experiences, particularly UFO abductions, and their connection to psychological states and societal anxieties. There is a critical examination of methodologies used to study these phenomena, with a questioning of purely scientific approaches versus subjective or intuitive methods. The influence of cultural factors, such as race fear and the impact of technology, is explored as a lens through which these experiences are understood and interpreted. The editorial stance, as indicated by the publication's networking nature and openness to diverse viewpoints, appears to be one of encouraging discussion and exploration of anomalous experiences from multiple perspectives, while maintaining a critical yet open-minded approach. The publication aims to bridge academic inquiry with public interest in these phenomena.

This issue of the Bulletin of Anomalous Experience, Volume 5, Number 3, dated June 1994, presents a collection of recent abstracts from scientific literature, focusing on topics related to anomalous experiences, psychology, and potential extraterrestrial encounters. The issue also includes a section dedicated to "Experiencers' Section" which delves into the symbolic and mythical components of abduction experiences.

Persinger's Corner: Geophysical Variables and Behavior

This section features two abstracts authored by MA Persinger and colleagues, exploring the link between geophysical phenomena and reported anomalous experiences.

LXXIV. Man-Made Fluid Injections into the Crust and Reports of Luminous Phenomena (UFO Reports) - Is the Strain Field an Aseismically Propagating Hydrological Pulse?

This abstract, co-authored by MA Persinger and JS Derr and published in Perceptual and Motor Skills (1993), proposes that both earthquakes and UFO reports are generated by local transient changes in regional crustal stress. The injection or percolation of fluids into the upper crust can trigger earthquakes, and the authors predicted that anomalous luminous phenomena would display temporal lags and spatial diffusion around these sites. The hypothesis was supported by data from five test sites in the US and Texas, suggesting that luminous phenomena, often labeled as UFOs, are associated with natural hydroseismicity and can be initiated by man-made activity.

LXXV. Possible Increased Incidence of Brain Tumors Following an Episode of Luminous Phenomena

Co-authored by Carole Bisson and MA Persinger, this abstract from Perceptual and Motor Skills (1993) investigates the potential health consequences of luminous phenomena. Assuming the tectonic strain theory for luminous phenomena is correct, significant electromagnetic emissions and radon gas release should occur in focal regions reporting "UFO flaps." The study examined the 5 years before and after a November 1975 episode of luminous displays in the Sudbury Basin, Canada. Compared to an adjacent control area, there was a significant increase in brain tumors in men after the episode (odds ratio = 2.5), but not in women. The magnitude was within the expected range for the general population and may have little clinical or health significance.

Abstracts on Psychology and Memory

This section compiles abstracts from Perceptual and Motor Skills and other journals, focusing on hypnosis, memory, and psychological syndromes.

Intensity of amnesia during hypnosis is positively correlated with estimated prevalence of sexual abuse and alien abductions: Implications for the False Memory Syndrome

Authored by TL Dittburner and MA Persinger (Perceptual and Motor Skills, 1993), this abstract reports on a study of 20 normal young women who listened to an ambiguous story about a boy's frightening experience. After hypnotic induction, participants estimated the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse or alien abductions. Moderate positive correlations were found between these estimates and the amount of amnesia ("lost time") and indices of right-hemispheric anomalies. The findings are discussed in relation to the formation of the False Memory Syndrome and the development of nonpsychotic delusions.

Elicitation of "Childhood Memories" in Hypnosis-Like Settings is Associated With Complex Partial Epileptic-Like Signs for Women but Not For Men: Implications for the False Memory Syndrome

MA Persinger authored this abstract from Perceptual and Motor Skills (1994). Twenty male and 20 female undergraduate students were exposed to an exotic setting with partial sensory deprivation and weak, bilateral trans-temporal pulsed magnetic fields. While the incidence of subjective experiences like old memories or emotions did not differ significantly between sexes, women reporting preexperimental complex partial epileptic-like signs were more likely to report "old memories," whereas men with these signs were more likely to report "dream-like" experiences. The study suggests a differential gender effect that may contribute to the False Memory Syndrome.

Recent Abstracts: Other Topics

This section covers a range of topics including abduction experiences, trauma, and mystical experiences.

Abductions and Sexual Abuse: Thematic Content Analyses of the Reports of UFO Abductees and Close Encounter Witnesses: Indications of Repressed Sexual Abuse

Susan Marie Powers' abstract from the Journal of UFO Studies (1994) analyzes thematic content from 20 alleged extraterrestrial abductees. The study explored dissociative and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Three predominant themes emerged: being chosen, missing time, and bodily intrusions. Results indicated that 45% of abductees manifested PTSD symptoms and 70% manifested dissociative symptomatology, suggesting that sexual abuse may be at the root of some abduction stories.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Prevalence of Traumatic Events and Post-Traumatic Psychological Symptoms in a Nonclinical Sample of College Students

Scott Vrana and Dean Lauterback's abstract from J Traumatic Stress (1994) assessed the lifetime prevalence of traumatic events and their psychological impact in 440 undergraduate students. Eighty-four percent reported experiencing at least one event potentially eliciting PTSD, and one-third experienced four or more traumatic events. Those with trauma reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms, with events like unwanted sexual experiences and those too traumatic to discuss openly being particularly impactful. The prevalence of traumatic experiences in this college sample was similar to that found in psychiatric patients.

Epidemiology: Age differences in mystical experience

JS Levin's abstract from The Gerontologist (1993) examines age differences in reports of deja vu, ESP, clairvoyance, spiritualism, and numinous experience. Based on the 1988 General Social Survey, these mystical experiences are more common now than in 1973, and deja vu, clairvoyance, and a composite mysticism score have increased with younger age cohorts. Private and subjective religiosity are positively related to overall mystical experience, while organizational religiosity is inversely related.

Hypnosis: Suggestibility and Repressed Memories of Abuse: A Survey of Psychotherapists' Beliefs

Michael D. Yapko's abstract from Amer J Clin Hyp (1994) surveys psychotherapists' views on the possibility of creating false memories of sexual abuse through suggestive procedures. The survey data indicate that while many psychotherapists view hypnosis favorably, they often do so based on misinformation, erroneously believing that hypnosis can recover more accurate memories than simple recall and can recover memories from as far back as birth. Such views can lead to misapplications of hypnosis.

A Case of the Psychotherapist's Fallacy: Hypnotic Regression to "Previous Lives"

Ian Stevenson's abstract from Amer J Clin Hyp (1994) discusses the idea that derepressing the memory of a traumatic cause of a phobia does not necessarily melt the phobia away. The author notes that 36% of children claiming to remember previous lives suffered from phobias that corresponded to the mode of death in the claimed past life. The abstract critiques the notion that nearly all hypnotically induced "previous lives" are bogus, suggesting that while many hypnotherapists may not help patients, they are often good psychotherapists whose mistake is attributing improvement to the technique rather than nonspecific factors. The author advocates for more research on hypnotic regression to previous lives, despite the potential for unwarranted promotion.

Stigmata: A Case of Stigmata

This abstract by Early LF and Lifschutz JE from Arch Gen Psychiatry (1974) describes a rare case of religious stigmatization in a 10 1/2-year-old black Baptist girl who experienced religious stigmata periodically over a three-week period. The lesions were unlikely to be self-induced, and the child showed no psychopathology except within the range of her religious experience. The case demonstrates the reality of mentally induced bleeding.

Experiencers' Section: Symbolic and mythical components of the abduction experience

By Chris McLachlan, this article discusses the emergence of images related to abduction scenarios, particularly those involving underground facilities, government operatives, and "lizard-like" entities. McLachlan expresses skepticism about the objective reality of all alien abduction experiences recalled under hypnosis, suggesting that complex social and individual perceptions of reality are at play. He posits that the imagery in these experiences bears a resemblance to western heroic and spiritual literature, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh and the myths of Heracles, Orpheus, and Mithras. The journey underground is interpreted as a metaphor for the self turning inwards, confronting death as a prerequisite for spiritual mastery, and ultimately returning to the surface. McLachlan argues that ignoring the rich symbolism and consistency with western traditions would be a disservice to participants. He suggests that these experiences, whether real or symbolic, might be the outriders of an unacknowledged heroic quest. The author also touches upon the utility of myth and "stewpot thinking," suggesting that these repeating narratives offer a mapped road to spiritual mastery. He concludes by emphasizing the potential for healing and empowerment if experiencers can use their own images as a roadmap to self-knowledge, while acknowledging the risks involved in such a process and the need for therapeutic community support.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the intersection of anomalous experiences (UFOs, abductions), psychological phenomena (memory, trauma, hypnosis), and potential underlying geophysical or biological factors. There is a consistent effort to ground these experiences in scientific literature, albeit often speculative or correlational. The editorial stance, as evidenced by the selection of abstracts and the article by Chris McLachlan, appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the exploration of these phenomena while maintaining a critical perspective on their interpretation, particularly regarding the distinction between objective reality and subjective experience, and the potential for symbolic or psychological meaning.