Poltergeists: Noisy Ghosts or Recurrent Spontaneous Psychokinesis?

The word poltergeist comes from two German words: poltern meaning to make noise and geist meaning ghost. Literally translated a poltergeist is a noisy ghost. Although poltergeists derived their name from one of their most common characteristics - making unexplained noises such as taps and bangs; poltergeists are also known to move objects, throw rocks or stones, move furniture, and send household objects flying through the air.

Stories of poltergeists date back to the first century. They all have the common thread of objects moving on their own and loud noises disturbing the occupants. Poltergeist activity usually begins suddenly and lasts any where from several days or weeks to up to 2 years. The activity suddenly ceases.

Many reported cases of poltergeist activity revolve around the presence of an adolescent girl who is present during the episodes. This has lead investigators to believe that poltergeist activity may not be attributed to a ghostly visitor, but to the young lady who experiences it. Many hold the theory that the manifestation of poltergeist activity is actually Recurrent Spontaneous Psychokinesis. The theory states that psychokinetic energy may unconsciously leave the body of an emotionally charged person who is harboring repressed emotions, such as, anger, fear, or rage which manifest themselves as physical disturbances of the immediate surroundings.

Recurrent Spontaneous Psychokinesis has not been substantiated by any tangible proof, yet serves as a logical explanation of events in many cases. It should be noted; however, that not all cases of poltergeist activity revolve around adolescent girls.

Poltergeist activity often progresses through five stages before finally ceasing.

Stage One: The first stage is not threatening, and may not even be frightening. It may begin with a strange feeling of being watched and you may observe your cat or dog running from room to room as though they are chasing someone or something. Often the pet will sit and watch an invisible "being" as it crosses the room. You may experience cold spots or hear random noises. The sound of footsteps is common.