The Encyclopedia
of World Problems
& Human Potential

Poltergeists

Nature

Alleged poltergeist phenomena cause fear, and their unsatisfactory explanation perpetuates superstitious ideas, such as houses which are said to be haunted. Houses which have experienced poltergeist knockings or transport of objects, are shunned, causing losses of property values and the movement of families from such residences. Poltergeists are believed to be spirits, usually mischievous and occasionally malevolent, that manifest by moving objects (stones, dirt, and other small objects) making noises and vile smells, and attacking people and animals. It has also been argued that the phenomenon may in some cases be due to sub-conscious psychokinesis on the part of an individual in the building, usually a child or teenager with unresolved emotional tensions. Such phenomena may last for several hours to several months.

Incidence

Disturbances by poltergeists are reported in over 100 countries around the world. A study of some 500 reported cases dating from 1800 was undertaken in the 1970s.

Broader

Aggravated by

Reduced by

Exorcism as a superstition

Reference(s)

Goss, Michael: Poltergeists: an annotated bibliography of works in english,

Sitwell, Sacheverell: Poltergeists - Fact or Fiction ?

Type

(F) Fuzzy exceptional problems

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The Encyclopedia of World Problems and Human Potential is a unique, experimental research work of the Union of International Associations. It is currently published as a searchable online platform with profiles of world problems, action strategies, and human values that are interlinked in novel and innovative ways. These connections are based on a range of relationships such as broader and narrower scope, aggravation, relatedness and more. By concentrating on these links and relationships, the Encyclopedia is uniquely positioned to bring focus to the complex and expansive sphere of global issues and their interconnected nature.

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Poltergeists

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