Publication: Explaining "Memories" of Space Alien Abduction and Past Lives: An Experimental Psychopathology Approach
Open/View Files
Date
2012
Authors
Published Version
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Textrum
The Harvard community has made this article openly available. Please share how this access benefits you.
Citation
McNally, Richard J. 2012. Explaining "memories" of space alien abduction and past lives: An experimental psychopathology approach. Journal of Experimental Psychopathology 3(1): 2-16.
Research Data
Abstract
In this article, I describe how my colleagues, students, and I have used the methods of experimental psychopathology to explain why seemingly sincere, nonpsychotic people claim to have memories of being abducted by space aliens or memories from past lives. Our group has used experimental methods from cognitive psychology and psychophysiology, supplementing them with clinical interviews and psychometric tests, to elucidate the psychology of these two groups. Our data point to quasi-spiritual motivations for why some people embrace the identity of alien abductee or past lifer.
Description
Other Available Sources
Keywords
false memory, DRM paradigm, alien abduction, past lives
Terms of Use
This article is made available under the terms and conditions applicable to Open Access Policy Articles (OAP), as set forth at Terms of Service