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Complex Environmental Reactions, as a New Concept to Describe Spontaneous “Paranormal” Experiences

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Abstract

A systemic phenomenological model that assumes the movability of the Cartesian cut is proposed and elucidated by means of a single exploratory case study. The model assumes that a continuum from purely psychosomatic disorders to RSPK cases exists. The degree of externalization (locus of control) of the affected person serves as an ordering parameter for the location of the Cartesian cut. It turns out that the dynamics of the disorder develops in four phases, like in the RSPK-model of the MPI. However, in contrast to the decline phase of the RSPK cases (because of the NT-axiom), CER cases lead to petrification of the complaints.

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Notes

  1. The term “poltergeist phenomena” is a folkloristic word which is uses by persons concerned to describe their experiences. The term RSPK (Recurrent Spontaneous Psycho-Kinesis) is a concept which was developed in parapsychology to designate poltergeist phenomena.

  2. The opinion repeatedly put forward (see Hergovich 2001; Lambeck 1997; Leick 2006), that one must not apply quantum theory to macroscopic systems, is itself questionable and in any case not applicable here (see Lucadou 1974, 1997; Römer and Leick 2006) because GQT and MPI are not reductionistic models. Thus, one should better speak of "generalized entanglement" and/or "entanglement-like effects" instead of “entanglement” as we do here for brevity.

  3. The term “control” does not necessarily mean causal interaction here, therefore it is put in quotation marks.

  4. Definition by the World Health Organization (WHO): EHS is characterized by a variety of non-specific symptoms that differ from individual to individual. The symptoms are certainly real and can vary widely in their severity. Whatever its cause, EHS can be a disabling problem for the affected individual. EHS has no clear diagnostic criteria and there is no scientific basis to link EHS symptoms to EMF exposure. Further, EHS is not a medical diagnosis, nor is it clear that it represents a single medical problem. (http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs296/en/index.html).

  5. Summary of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI): IEI-also called environmental illness and multiple chemical sensitivities-has been postulated to be a disease unique to modern industrial society in which certain persons are said to acquire exquisite sensitivity to numerous chemically unrelated environmental substances. The patient experiences wide-ranging symptoms, but evidence of pathology or physiologic dysfunction in such patients has been lacking in studies to date. Because of the subjective nature of the illness, an objective case definition is not possible. Allergic, immunotoxic, neurotoxic, cytotoxic, psychologic, sociologic, and iatrogenic theories have been postulated for both etiology and production of symptoms, but there is an absence of scientific evidence to establish any of these mechanisms as definitive. Most studies to date, however, have found an excess of current and past psychopathology in patients with this diagnosis. The relationship of these findings to the patient's symptoms is also not apparent. Rigorously controlled studies to verify the patient's reported subjective sensitivity to specific environmental chemicals have yet to be done. Moreover, there is no evidence that these patients have any immunologic or neurologic abnormalities. In addition, no form of therapy has yet been shown to alter the patient's illness in a favorable way. A causal connection between environmental chemicals, foods, and/or drugs and the patient's symptoms continues to be speculative and cannot be based on the results of currently published scientific studies. (http://www.aaaai.org/members/academy_statements/position_statements/ps35.asp).

  6. ICD-10-WHO 1.3: G93.3.

  7. In may be argued that since the effects of pseudo-machines are unstable and non-replicable under changed psychological conditions contradicts the similarity to CER because CER symptoms are described to be rather persistent and chronical. However, this contradiction disappears if one takes into account the distinction between the exo- and endo-view in relation to petrification.

  8. Since this is a single-case exploratory study no further analysis is given. It is an open question whether further details could reveal results, which could be generalized. The case should not be overestimated and be regarded as an illustration, which might provoke new ideas within this very complex field of research.

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  1. Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Parapsychologie (WGFP) e.V., Freiburg, Germany

    Walter Erich Manfred von Lucadou

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von Lucadou, W.E.M. Complex Environmental Reactions, as a New Concept to Describe Spontaneous “Paranormal” Experiences. Axiomathes 21, 263–285 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10516-010-9138-4

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