Albeit there are some psychiatrists, like Harvard psychiatrist Dr. John Mack, who have thoroughly researched alien abductions and have deemed them to be actual occurrences, there are others who have come up with alternative hypothesis as to what is really happening to people claiming to be experiencers. Here's a look at some of those theories.
Abductions by Aliens
One of the more popular hypotheses regarding alien abductions is that of sleep paralysis. This is when a person awakens from sleep, but is temporarily paralyzed, unable to move or utter a sound. Buzzing sounds may be heard or pressure might be felt on the chest. Although a short-lived occurrence, it can bring fear to the person experiencing it.
False memories are another possible explanation for people claiming to be taken by extraterrestrials. Hypnosis can be highly suggestive. It has been proposed that there are times when a person under hypnosis has been led to recall memories that never really existed.
Studies have taken place whereas individuals have been placed under hypnosis and asked to recount their abductors experiences, even though they have never been abducted. Interestingly enough, some of the false memories they recalled paralleled those of supposed real abduction cases.
However, differences surfaced including not believing the experience was real, unable to describe the aliens normally associated with abductions and the ability to control their emotions.
UFO Abductions
Fantasy prone personality is another possible explanation for the alien abduction phenomena. Although these types of people appear to be normal, in reality they live in a fantasy world. For these types of individuals, it would be easy to not only recall, but honestly believe they were experiencing actual abduction memories while under hypnosis. The belief could be so strong that a lie detector test could be passed.
While psychosis has been suggested, it is interesting to note the following. According to Raymond E. Fowler, author of The Watchers, “Psychologists and psychiatrists who have tested a number of alleged abductees would be quick to say that the results of psychological testing do not support this theory.”
Alien Abduction Stories
A percentage of people are able to recall their alleged abductions experiences on their own. However, many need the aid of hypnosis. An additional alternative hypothesis is that of birth trauma. This is when a person recalls seeing a bright light, strange faces and being laid on a table and prodded. This is the same scenario that takes place when a baby makes its way through the birth canal and is born.
Carl Jung’s theory of collective unconscious offers another possible explanation for the UFO abduction experience. Lastly, there are always hoaxters. These are people who claim to be a victim of abduction, only to try to gain fame or financial compensation for their so-called experiences.
While some psychiatrists believe that the alien abduction experience is real, others offer different hypotheses to explain this phenomena. In order to make an informed decision, further research needs to be conducted. If interested in learning more, some of the more popular alien abduction cases can be found in the article Famous UFO Abduction Cases.
Source:
The Watchers, Raymond E. Fowler, (Bantam Books,) 1990
Janis Masyk-Jackson - I'm here to seek out the truth about some of life's mysteries. There is nothing new about New Age beliefs. These are beliefs that have ...
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