Comparing perceptions of continued presence of the deceased and unidentified sensed presence experiences in a non-clinical sample of paranormal experients
Research on individuals' paranormal experiences, particularly sensed presence experiences, has predominantly focused on bereavement contexts (Kamp et al., 2020; Evrard et al., 2021). However, less is understood about the similarities and distinctions between perceived presence of the deceased and unfamiliar sensory perceptions of presence. The present study employs both quantitative and qualitative methods to explore the phenomenology of individuals' sensory experiences of presence within two distinct domains: perceptions of the continued presence of the deceased (PCPDs) and unidentified sensed presence experiences (USPEs). The current study utilized data from a sample of paranormal believers and experients to test the hypotheses that these perceptions would differ on measures of schizotypal traits and discrete emotions experienced during the event, as well as the hypothesis that perceptions of time/space transcendence during the experience would be associated with schizotypal traits. Results did not indicate significant differences between USPEs and PCPDs on measures of schizotypal traits; however, significant differences on discrete emotions and a positive association between time/space transcendence and schizotypal traits were observed.
Anomalous experiences, sensed presence experiences, psychotic-like experiences, schizotypy, phenomenology, emotion/affect, self-disturbance, Other Psychology, Social Psychology, Theory and Philosophy
City University of New York - City College
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