It Came From Outer Space

Magazine Overview

Title: It Came From Outer Space
Issue Date: November 29, 1993
Publisher: TIME
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of TIME magazine features a cover story titled "It Came From Outer Space," exploring the phenomenon of alien abductions and the role of hypnosis in recovering these memories. The article presents personal testimonies, expert opinions, and the controversies surrounding the subject.

Alien Abduction Accounts

The article opens with the account of Nancy, an attorney on the U.S. West Coast, who, after undergoing hypnotherapy sessions, recalled an incident from 1989. She describes waking up to a strange craft outside her window, being taken inside, examined by strange beings, and having an ovum extracted via a tube. She expresses the uncertainty and self-doubt that often accompanies such memories, stating, "People say 'How do you know?' You don't know. You're never sure what happened."

Another testimony comes from Michael Bershad, a Los Angeles film producer. Under hypnosis, he recalled his car being pulled over by a bright object. He then described being led into a craft by five small beings, approximately 4 feet tall. Inside, a leader examined him, poked around his back near his vertebrae, and extraterrestrials extracted sperm. Bershad described the experience as "humiliating and degrading" and expressed feelings of shame.

A common thread among those who have dredged up these memories is a "painful sincerity." Many suffer from insomnia and avoid discussing their experiences for fear of being perceived as crazy. The article notes that most abductees are reluctant to believe these events truly happened, as Budd Hopkins, author of two books on alien contact, observes, "They don't want these things to be real. There is no pleasure in this experience."

Expert Perspectives

Harvard psychiatrist John Mack, a Pulitzer Prize winner, takes the accounts of abductees literally. He states that he encountered something early in his career that did not fit with his psychiatric experience and has treated over 70 abductees, whom he refers to as "experiencers."

However, not all experts are convinced. Some researchers suggest that alien abduction memories might be disguised recollections of childhood sexual abuse. Others argue that these memories could be unwittingly planted by overly zealous therapists. Ray Hyman, a professor of psychology at the University of Oregon, expresses skepticism, stating, "I believe these victims believe it." He explains that people may try to please the hypnotist, leading to a collaboration between therapist and patient that produces the story. Hyman also points out that hypnosis, while effective in eliciting fantasies for therapy, can also create false memories.

William Cone, a psychologist in Newport Beach, California, who specializes in treating alleged abductees, notes similarities between his patients and those who recover memories of satanic ritual abuse. He describes them as having "organizing personalities"—a tendency to attribute experiences to paranormal phenomena like seeing ghosts. Cone characterizes these individuals as "highly functioning, intelligent people" who genuinely believe their experiences occurred. He maintains a neutral stance, listening and trying to help without confirming or denying the reality of the events.

Hypnosis and Memory

The article touches upon the controversial nature of hypnosis in recovering memories. William London, president of the American Boards of Clinical Hypnosis, cautions against using hypnosis to validate abduction claims, stating, "It isn't a way of validating an abduction or anything else." He emphasizes that the technique, while useful in therapy, can also fabricate memories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the psychological and societal implications of alien abduction claims. The article presents a balanced view, showcasing personal narratives alongside skeptical and supportive expert opinions. The editorial stance appears to be one of exploration and inquiry into a phenomenon that challenges conventional understanding, acknowledging the profound impact on individuals while also highlighting the scientific and psychological debates surrounding the authenticity of these experiences. The use of hypnosis as a tool for memory recovery, and its potential for creating false memories, is a significant sub-theme.