Abstract

This dissertation documents a variety of supernatural assault or paranormal harming phenomena as experienced by 16 college-educated European -Americans. The English terms used to describe the experience are problematic, perhaps because post-industrial culture does not generally recognize its existence. The study was done primarily through a hermeneutic narrative approach, using semi-structured interviews. Using grounded theory, patterns of theme and generalized plot were identified across the narratives. The emergent material was then compared to existing anthropological literature on cultures for whom sorcery and other forms of spiritual harming are a documented part of accepted reality. Somatic, psychological, and synchronistic symptoms; etiological interpretations of the experience; and methods employed for healing from paranormal trauma were examined. The most commonly reported symptoms were extreme fear accompanied by sensations of being pierced, weighted down, or impacted. It is speculated that these symptoms may comprise fluctuations in the boundaries of the self, a perception which is uncomfortable for North Americans. Participants attributed causation to both humans and noncorporeal spirits. Nature-based and shamanistic societies commonly consider certain forms of supernatural harming to be a reflection of societal or ecological imbalance-specifically, a lack of attention to maintaining reciprocally beneficial relationships. Similarly, participants attributed supernatural assault to disharmonious relationship with other people, noncorporeal spirits, and the natural environment. Similarities between indigenous and ecopsychological interpretations were discussed, as were the potential psychospiritual benefits of traumatic supernatural experience. Reported methods of healing involve strengthening the self's vitality, integrity, and boundaries, often by forging connection to powerful sources of aid or by distancing from the inimical energies. Because of previous cultural silencing, telling their stories also proved therapeutic for many participants. Issues around languaging were discussed. A shared narrative was examined as a clinical case study in spiritual emergency, and suggestions for possible treatment put forth.