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Saturday, December 2, 2023

 Unveiling the Enigma : A Comprehensive History of Paranormal Activities

Introduction :

In the tapestry of human history, the thread of paranormal activities weaves a compelling narrative that spans across cultures, civilizations, and epochs. From ancient myths to contemporary encounters, the stories of the supernatural have intrigued and mystified generations. In this exploration, we embark on a journey through time, unraveling the rich tapestry of paranormal phenomena that have left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness.

Ancient Legends and Folklore :

The roots of paranormal history delve deep into the annals of ancient civilizations. Mesopotamian texts, Egyptian hieroglyphs, and Greco-Roman mythology all bear witness to tales of gods, spirits, and otherworldly beings. These stories not only served as explanations for the inexplicable but also laid the groundwork for the mystical beliefs that would persist throughout history.

Medieval Ghost Stories and Superstitions :

As societies evolved, so did the narratives surrounding the paranormal. The medieval period, marked by a blend of religious fervor and emerging scientific inquiry, saw the rise of ghost stories and superstitions. The fear of the supernatural was intertwined with religious doctrines, leading to a complex tapestry of beliefs that often shaped the behavior and rituals of communities.

The Renaissance and the Occult :

With the Renaissance came a revival of interest in ancient knowledge and esoteric wisdom. Alchemists, mystics, and occultists sought to unlock the secrets of the universe, delving into practices that blurred the lines between science and magic. Figures like John Dee and Aleister Crowley became synonymous with the pursuit of hidden knowledge, contributing to the occult's enduring influence on paranormal lore.

19th Century Spiritualism :

The 19th century witnessed a surge in interest in the afterlife and communication with the spirit world. The Spiritualist movement gained momentum, with mediums claiming to communicate with the dead through séances and Ouija boards. This era laid the foundation for the modern fascination with paranormal investigations and the enduring belief in the existence of ghosts.

Haunted Houses and Poltergeists :

The concept of haunted houses and poltergeists gained prominence in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The infamous Amityville Horror and the Enfield Poltergeist cases captured public imagination, fueling a cultural fascination with the idea that certain locations could be imbued with supernatural energy. These stories often drew on historical tragedies, adding a layer of complexity to the paranormal narrative.

UFOs and the Extraterrestrial Connection :

The mid-20th century ushered in a new chapter in paranormal history with the rise of UFO sightings and claims of extraterrestrial encounters. The Roswell incident in 1947 and subsequent reports of unidentified flying objects sparked a global curiosity about the possibility of alien life. Government investigations, such as Project Blue Book, further fueled speculation and conspiracy theories.

Cryptozoology and Mythical Creatures :

The pursuit of elusive creatures, known as cryptids, became a focus in the 20th century. From the Loch Ness Monster to Bigfoot, cryptozoologists sought to validate the existence of these mythical beings. Although often dismissed by mainstream science, the allure of encountering an unknown species continues to captivate the imaginations of enthusiasts and researchers alike.

Modern Paranormal Investigations :

In the digital age, paranormal investigations have taken on a new dimension. Television shows, podcasts, and online forums provide platforms for individuals to share their experiences and explore the unexplained. Technology, such as infrared cameras and electronic voice phenomena (EVP) recorders, has become integral to contemporary ghost hunting, bringing a scientific veneer to the quest for paranormal evidence.

The Intersection of Science and the Paranormal :

While skeptics continue to view paranormal phenomena as products of human psychology or misinterpretation of natural events, some researchers advocate for a more nuanced approach. Parapsychology, a field that investigates psychic phenomena, attempts to bridge the gap between scientific inquiry and the mysteries of the paranormal, challenging conventional explanations.

Conclusion :

The history of paranormal activities is a tapestry woven with threads of ancient myths, medieval superstitions, and modern investigations. Across centuries, the human fascination with the unknown has endured, evolving with each era's cultural, religious, and scientific developments. As we navigate the intricacies of paranormal history, one thing becomes clear: the allure of the supernatural continues to captivate our imagination, inviting us to explore the mysteries that lie beyond the boundaries of conventional understanding.

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

 

Unveiling the Mysteries : Exploring the World of Paranormal Activities

Introduction :

The world is a place filled with wonder, mystery, and unexplained phenomena. Among these, paranormal activities have long captured the human imagination, leaving us both fascinated and intrigued. In this exploration, we delve into the realm of the paranormal, seeking to understand the mysterious occurrences that defy conventional explanation.

Defining the Paranormal :

Paranormal activities encompass a wide array of phenomena that challenge our understanding of the natural world. From ghosts and poltergeists to UFO sightings and crypt IDs, these experiences often fall outside the scope of scientific understanding. While skeptics may dismiss them as mere superstitions, countless individuals worldwide claim to have had encounters that defy rational explanation.

Ghosts and Spirits :

One of the most enduring aspects of paranormal lore is the existence of ghosts and spirits. Tales of haunted houses, ghostly apparitions, and encounters with the supernatural have persisted across cultures and centuries. Many believe that these spirits are the remnants of departed souls, lingering in our world with unfinished business or unresolved emotions.

Haunted Locations :

Certain places are notorious for their alleged paranormal activity. Whether it's the creaking halls of an ancient castle or the abandoned corridors of a hospital, these locations have become hotspots for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts. The stories surrounding haunted places often involve tragic histories, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the supernatural occurrences reported by visitors.

UFOs and Extraterrestrial Encounters :

The night sky has been a canvas for speculation and wonder throughout human history. Reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and encounters with extraterrestrial beings have fueled debates about the existence of life beyond our planet. While skeptics attribute these sightings to natural phenomena or human-made craft, others believe they are evidence of otherworldly visitors observing Earth.

Crypt IDs and Mythical Creatures :

From the Loch Ness Monster to Bigfoot, crypt IDs are creatures that elude scientific classification but persist in the folklore of various cultures. While mainstream science often dismisses these beings as products of imagination or misidentifications, eyewitness accounts and blurry photographs continue to fuel the mystery surrounding these elusive creatures.

Parapsychology and Psychic Phenomena :

Parapsychology explores phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding, including telepathy, clairvoyance, and psych kinesis. While the scientific community remains divided on the validity of these claims, some researchers argue that there is a need to expand our understanding of consciousness and the potential capabilities of the human mind.

Conclusion :

The world of paranormal activities remains a captivating and enigmatic frontier, where the line between fact and fiction blurs. Whether fueled by genuine experiences, psychological phenomena, or a collective yearning for the extraordinary, the paranormal continues to be a source of fascination for individuals around the globe. As we navigate the uncharted territories of the unexplained, the mysteries of the paranormal remind us that, despite our advancements, the universe is vast, and there is still much we have yet to comprehend.

Monday, September 19, 2016

Paranormal Activity and Abnormal Psychology

Paranormal means :  * Supernatural
                                                 * Interactive
                                                 * Degenerative
                                                 * Transitional
                                                 * Metaphysical.
                                                 * Otherworldly.

Definition of  Paranormal

Impossible to explain by known natural forces or by science or very strange and not able to be explained by what scientists know about nature and the world. Some believe he/she had paranormal or supernatural powers or  paranormal phenomena.
Strange events, abilities, etc. that cannot be explained by what is known about nature and the world.
The term "paranormal" has existed in the English language since at least 1920. The word consists of two parts: para and normal. The definition implies that the scientific explanation of the world around us is 'normal' and anything that is above, beyond, or contrary to that is 'para'.
Believes in ghosts, guardian angels, and other supernatural beings.

Medical Definition of Paranormal

Not understandable in terms of known scientific laws and phenomina < experiments in paranormal cognition of drawings – Psychological Abstracts>.

Abnormal Psychology

Abnormal psychology is a division of psychology that studies people who are "abnormal" or "atypical" compared to the members of a given society.
There is evidence that some psychological disorders are more common than was previously
thought.
Depending on how data are gathered and how diagnoses are made, as many as 27% of some
population groups may be suffering from depression at any one time (NIMH, 2001; data for
older adults).
The definition of the word abnormal is simple enough but applying this to psychology poses a complex problem: what is normal? Whose norm? For what age? For what culture?
The concept of abnormality is imprecise and difficult to define. Examples of abnormality can take many different forms and involve different features, so that, what at first sight seem quite reasonable definitions, turns out to be quite problematical. There are several different ways in which it is possible to define ‘abnormal’ as opposed to our ideas of what is ‘normal’.
Under this definition, rather than defining what is abnormal, we define what is normal/ideal and anything that deviates from this is regarded as abnormal.  This requires us to decide on the characteristics we consider necessary to mental health. Jahoda (1958) defined six criteria by which mental health could be measured:
          o Positive view of the self.
          o Capability for growth and development.
o Autonomy and independence.
o Accurate perception of reality.
o Positive friendships and relationships.
o Environmental mastery – able to meet the   varying demands of day-to-day   situations According to this  approach, the more of these criteria are satisfied, the healthier the individual is.   

Limitation: It is practically impossible for any individual to achieve all of the ideal characteristics all of the time.  For example, a person might not be the ‘master of his environment’ but be happy with his situation.  The absence of this criterion of ideal mental health hardly indicates he is suffering from a mental disorder.
Ethnocentric: Most definitions of psychological abnormality are devised by white, middle class men. It has been suggested that this may lead to disproportionate numbers of people from certain groups being diagnosed as "abnormal." 
For example, in the UK, depression is more commonly identified in women, and black people are more likely than their white counterparts to be diagnosed with schizophrenia. Similarly, working class people are more likely to be diagnosed with a mental illness than those from non manual backgrounds.
Abnormal psychology is the branch of psychology that studies unusual patterns of behavior, emotion and thought, which may or may not be understood as precipitating a mental disorder. Although many behaviours could be considered as abnormal, this branch of psychology generally deals with behaviour in a clinical context.

Abnormality Treatments

There are four treatments for abnormality that you need to know for the exam:

Physiological Treatment = Biological treatments (Drugs & CBT).

Psychological Treatments = Behavioural treatments (Systematic Desensitisation).
Combined Cognitive and Behavioural treatments (CBT).
Psychodynamic treatment (Psychoanalysis).

Biological Treatments =

Anti-anxiety drugs :  Minor tranquilizers called Benzodiazepines (BZs) such as Valium has a calming effect on the nervous system and muscles and exhibits GABA, which calms brain activity.

Anti-depressant drugs : MAOIs, TCAs & SSRIs. Improve mood by increasing the availability of  neurotransmitters such as serotonin. Eg. MAOIs block the action of an enzyme that breaks down serotonin, so increasing its availability in the nervous system.

Anti-psychotic drugs : Major Tranquilizers such as phenothiazine. These sedate and alleviate symptoms (eg. Hallucinations and delusions) of the person suffering from psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. They work by blocking the D2 receptor for dopamine.

Drugs

The Biological approach states that all abnormal behaviour has a physical cause.
Drug treatmentis the main treatment for mental disorders.
It based on the assumption that chemical imbalance is at the root of the abnormality.

There are 3 groups of drug treatment:
* Anti-anxiety drugs (Phobias and Generalised Anxiety Disorder) eg. Vallium
* Anti-depressant drugs (Depression) eg.Prozac (SSRI)
* Anti-psychotic drugs (Schizophrenia) eg. phenothiazines.

Biological Treatments Electroconvulsive Therapy

* Patient lies on bed in loose clothing.
* Receives an anaesthetic & muscle relaxant before treatment.
* Fix electrode to the head, usually the non-dominant hemisphere (in most people the
   right this reduced side effect such as memory loss).     
* Pass a 70-130 volt current through the brain for less than one second.
* It induced a convulsion in the patient for about one minute.
* Once the patient come round from the anaesthetic the patient recalls nothing about the
   procedure.


ABNORMAL  PSYCHOLOGY
Abnormal psychology is the branch of psychology that studies unusual patterns of behavior, emotion and thought, which may or may not be understood as precipitating a mental disorder. Although many behaviors could be considered as abnormal, this branch of psychology generally deals with behavior in a clinical context. There is a long history of attempts to understand and control behavior deemed to be aberrant or deviant (statistically, morally or in some other sense), and there is often cultural variation in the approach taken. The field of abnormal psychology identifies multiple causes for different conditions, employing diverse theories from the general field of psychology and elsewhere, and much still hinges on what exactly is meant by "abnormal". There has traditionally been a divide between psychological and biological explanations, reflecting a philosophical dualism in regard to the mind body problem. There have also been different approaches in trying to classify mental disorders. Abnormal includes three different categories; they are subnormal, supernormal and paranormal.
The science of abnormal psychology studies two types of behaviors: adaptive and maladaptive behaviors. Behaviors that are maladaptive suggest that some problems exist, and can also imply that the individual is vulnerable and cannot cope with environmental stress, which is leading them to have problems functioning in daily life. Clinical psychology is the applied field of psychology that seeks to assess, understand and treat psychological conditions in clinical practice. The theoretical field known as 'abnormal psychology' may form a backdrop to such work, but clinical psychologists in the current field are unlikely to use the term 'abnormal' in reference to their practice. Psychopathology is a similar term to abnormal psychology but has more of an implication of an underlying pathology (disease process), and as such is a term more commonly used in the medical specialty known as psychiatry.

Supernatural explanations
In the first supernatural tradition, also called the demonological method, abnormal behaviors are attributed to agents outside human bodies. According to this model, abnormal behaviors are caused by demonsspirits, or the influences of moonplanets, and stars. During the Stone Age, trephining was performed on those who had mental illness to literally cut the evil spirits out of the victim's head. Conversely, Ancient Chinese, Ancient Egyptians, and Hebrews, believed that these were evil demons or spirits and advocated exorcism. By the time of the Greeks and Romans, mental illnesses were thought to be caused by an imbalance of the four humors, leading to draining of fluids from the brain. During the Medieval period, many Europeans believed that the power of witchesdemons, and spirits caused abnormal behaviors. People with psychological disorders were thought to be possessed by evil spirits that had to be exorcised through religious rituals. If exorcism failed, some authorities advocated steps such as confinement, beating, and other types of torture to make the body uninhabitable by witchesdemons, and spirits. The belief that witches, demons, and spirits are responsible for the abnormal behavior continued into the 15th century. Swiss alchemist, astrologer, and physician Paracelsus (1493–1541), on the other hand, rejected the idea that abnormal behaviors were caused by witchesdemons, and spirits and suggested that people's mind and behaviors were influenced by the movements of the moon and stars.
This tradition is still alive today. Some people, especially in the developing countries and some followers of religious sects in the developed countries, continue to believe that supernatural powers influence human behaviors. In Western academia, the supernatural tradition has been largely replaced by the biological and psychological traditions.

Biological explanations
In the biological tradition, psychological disorders are attributed to biological causes and in the psychological tradition, disorders are attributed to faulty psychological development and to social context. The medical or biological perspective holds the belief that most or all abnormal behavior can be attributed to a medical factor; assuming all psychological disorders are diseases.
The Greek physician Hippocrates, who is considered to be the father of Western medicine, played a major role in the biological tradition. Hippocrates and his associates wrote the Hippocratic Corpus between 450 and 350 BC, in which they suggested that abnormal behaviors can be treated like any other disease. Hippocrates viewed the brain as the seat of consciousnessemotionintelligence, and wisdom and believed that disorders involving these functions would logically be located in the brain.
These ideas of Hippocrates and his associates were later adopted by Galen, the Roman physician. Galen extended these ideas and developed a strong and influential school of thought within the biological tradition that extended well into the 18th century.
Medical: The medical approach to abnormal psychology focuses on the biological causes on mental illness. This perspective emphasizes understanding the underlying cause of disorders, which might include genetic inheritance, related physical disorders, infections and chemical imbalances. Medical treatments are often pharmacological in nature, although medication is often used in conjunction with some other type of psychotherapy.

Psychological explanations
Behavioral: The behavioral approach to abnormal psychology focuses on observable behaviors. In behavioral therapy, the focus is on reinforcing positive behaviors and not reinforcing maladaptive behaviors. This approach targets only the behavior itself, not the underlying causes.
Sociocultural explanations The term sociocultural refers to the various circles of influence on the individual ranging from close friends and family to the institutions and policies of a country or the world as a whole. Discriminations, whether based on social class, income, race, and ethnicity, or gender, can influence the development of abnormal behavior. 

Story of Paranormal Movies (Based on true story)


THE AMYTIVILLE HORROR

One of the most popular "true" ghost films most of you may have already heard of. This story has been remade and rewritten many times into many different films, including sequels and even a 3D version !
The most recent remake is the 2005 version starring Ryan Reynolds and Chloe Moretz. In both the movie and real life, the Defeo family was murdered in the Amityville house by one of its own members. Later, the Lutz family moved into the same house and eventually fled in horror after experiencing paranormal activity. The movies are generally based around the book the Lutz family wrote afterwards. However, bits of the movie such as George Lutz chasing his family with a shotgun and Butch DeFeo blaming voices for his murders are both untrue. All the other strange events the Lutz family claim happened won't ever be proven real or not, but they sure do make a great movie !

AN AMERICAN HAUNTING

When this film came out, it was marketed as the only case in US history where a spirit caused the death of a man. The film was based on the Bell Witch hauntings that took place in the 1800s.
The Bell family was living in a small town in Tennessee when they began experiencing poltergeist activity such as hearing knocking and scratching on the walls of their house. Slowly the activity began to grow more violent as the young Bell daughter was constantly slapped or pinched out of nowhere, strange bruises would appear, and other family members felt hair pulling or being kicked. Eventually, John Bell fell into a sickness and eventually died next to a black bottle that contained some type of poison. There are numerous theories about what the Bell family actually experienced and one of these are shown in the movie "An Americans Haunting." I don't want to tell you which theory is shown because I wouldn't want to ruin the movie for you!

THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE

"The Exorcism of Emily Rose" is a story based on the life of Anneliese Michel, a 17 year old student who was believed to be possessed by demons in the 1970s. The film revolves around a negligent homicide courtroom case involving the death of Emily Rose. The movie cuts to flashbacks of Emily Rose slowly slipping further and further into madness (or possession), shows tapes that were recorded during an attempted exorcism, and a bunch of other events that were said to have happened around the real life exorcism of Anneliese Michel. In real life, the case has been labeled as a misidentification of mental illness, negligence, abuse, and religious hysteria. However, the film works to leave this open ended for the audience to decide for themselves whether the possession was real or not.

THE MOTHMAN PROPHECIES

This film was based on the sightings of an enormous, moth-like creature said to be seen in Point Pleasant, West Virginia between 1966 and 1967. There were numerous reports from various people in the town who said they saw a moth-like creature flying around their area as well as other unexplained incidents. The "Mothman," as they began to call it, was later seen hovering over a bridge in the town called the Silver Bridge on several occasions. The bridge unexpectedly collapsed during rush hour traffic, killing as many as 46 people. Afterwards, the Mothman was never spotted again and the mystery remains.

THE POSSESSION

One of the most recent horror films, "The Possession" is said to be based on the unusual events surrounding the dibbuk box. The dibbuk box is a supposed Jewish haunted wine cabinet. The box became well known after being auctioned on eBay with an accompanying horror story and sold for $280. The buyer's story consists of breaking glass, horrified employees, shared nightmares, and even his mother having a stroke, all of which he blames on the box. The movie does not follow the story that was originally told but instead involves a young girl becoming possessed by this haunted box.

THE SHINING

Believe it or not, the movie "The Shining" was based on a real hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. It is called The Stanley Hotel and over the years, many people have reported witnessing paranormal activity in the hotel. The majority of sightings were reported in the large ballroom where kitchen workers at the hotel heard loud music, dancing, and conversation in the ballroom, only to find nothing. People have also heard the hotel's pianos playing at odd hours and also reported seeing a large number of apparitions. Author Stephen King and his wife decided to take a mini-vacation to the Stanley Hotel which prompted him to write "The Shining," which inevitably led to the film.

AUDREY ROSE

This film is the oldest of the list but is still pretty interesting when you look at the story it was based on. The movie centers around a family and their daughter, whom they believe is possessed by a ghost named Audrey Rose. The original book that the movie came from was written by Frank De Felitta. Frank's six-year-old son, who'd never taken piano lessons, began playing music perfectly on the family piano. After consulting a Los Angeles occultist, he was told that his son's talent was an "incarnation leak," explaining that the boy had lived many lifetimes.

  Unveiling the Enigma : A Comprehensive History of Paranormal Activities Introduction : In the tapestry of human history, the thread of par...