Environmental Sensitivity: Inquiry Into a Possible Link with Apparitional Experience

Psi researchers often use the term ‘sensitivity’ when theorizing that certain persons may be more apt to register anomalous influences than others. Through a review of the literature, it is argued that some individuals are disposed toward a range of innate sensitivities that, in novelty as well as intensity, distinguish them from the general population. It is hypothesized that such persons will exhibit greater susceptibility to a range of environmental factors including allergies, migraine headache, chronic pain and chronic fatigue. Furthermore, it is suggested that sensitive individuals will report a higher than average degree of psi perception as well as apparent electromagnetic influence. Through a 54-item survey designed by the author, the following issues are evaluated: the extent to which persons who describe themselves as ‘sensitive’ appear to be affected by such factors; whether their immediate family members may be similarly affected; to what extent environmental sensitivity parallels apparitional experience; and how such findings compare or contrast with questions asked of a control group. Based on both the literature and the survey results, the author argues that sensitivity is a bona fide neurobiological phenomenon. While no single factor in a person's background is likely to distinguish him/her as ‘sensitive,’ eight demographic or personality factors are found to be statistically significant. If further studies were to document similar results, a more tangible basis would be provided for the study of apparitional experience than has been possible to date