Exploratory Analyses of Refined Predictors of Subjective ESP Experiences and Temporal Lobe Dysfunction in a Neuropsychiatric Population

Following up on previous research indicating a relationship between symptoms of temporal lobe dysfunction (TLD) and subjective paranormal experiences, exploratory logistic regression analyses were conducted to discover specific predictors of subjective ESP experiences (S-ESP) among 100 neuropsychiatric patients of Neppe. Predictors included gender, age, 16 items from a questionnaire measuring symptoms of TLD (INSET), clinical and ambulatory EEG measures reflecting the location and type of anomalous EEG activity, measures of handedness and brain laterality, use of specific recreational drugs, and brain injuries. The final model defined the S-ESP group as right-lateralized females scoring high on INSET items reflecting jamais vu and primitive visual or auditory hallucinations. A significant interaction was found between gender and EEG anomalies occurring in the temporal lobes and sometimes extending to adjacent areas, but not generalized over the whole scalp. These anomalies were positively related to S-ESP in females and negatively in males. The effect for females was contributed entirely by activity other than slowing (mostly spiking, sharp waves, and bursts of beta or alpha) that occurred in the left hemisphere, sometimes extending bilaterally to the right temporal, or the frontal lobes. These exploratory findings need to be cross-validated before the results can be considered conclusive. Correspondence details: John Palmer, Research Associate, Neurology Clinic, University Hospital Zürich, Frauenklinikstr. 26, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland. Email: [email protected]. An earlier version of the paperwas presented at the 2002 Parapsychological Association Convention.