Scientific Research on Psychic Abilities

Scientific Research on Psychic Abilities

Scientific Research on psychic abilities seeks to validate the existence of this natural human sense and experiences. What was once an almost taboo topic has grown in popularity with T.V. shows, and an explosion of Youtube, and Instagram psychics and mediums. Recent interest in spirituality, including intuition, psychic awareness, and abilities, leads to the question, are psychic abilities measurable? 

Being psychic has come out of the alleyways, neon signs, crystal balls, and conference hall exhibitions into the mainstream. Today there is access to many online schools, podcasts, and mentoring programs that can help you develop your abilities from years-long intensive training, to “Become psychic in a weekend” workshops. You can even buy divination tools in mall shops like Urban Outfitters. 

It is interesting to look at past and current research in psychic awareness and abilities. It is normal and welcome to have a healthy dose of skepticism and question the validity and existence of these abilities. Furthermore, many have asked the question; are psychic abilities tangible and measurable in some scientific way? How do psychic abilities open up? Where and from whom do psychic abilities originate? These are big questions, each deserving exploration.

Beliefs in Psychic Abilities

People will often look for answers in many places, whether on a global scale or in one’s personal life, during turbulent and uncertain times. There is evidence of a statistical increase in the number of people seeking energy healing, readings, or embarking on individual studies in the past two years. Recent surveys have shifted from more organized religion to a more generalized form of personal spirituality. Of course, this is dependent on many demographic factors, including social and cultural beliefs. 

In some religions and cultures, exploring psychic awareness is discouraged, whereas, in others, as part of the natural ebb and flow of life and human existence. At many points, people question the reality of psychic abilities and actively seek to find proof or debunk its existence.

The One Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge was a prize offered until 2015 by the James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF), and never claimed, ‘to any person who demonstrates any psychic, supernatural, or paranormal ability under satisfactory observation.’ It was open to anyone to prove abilities up until recently, and not one psychic was able to pass the tests.

Research Organizations

Many organizations devote their research to the nature and existence of consciousness and the development of psychic abilities. They provide information, education, and research related to psychic abilities and paranormal phenomena. Although still heavily criticized by scientific and academic communities, individuals and organizations have attempted to legitimize the field by providing credible, peer-based research. (Source PSI Encyclopedia)

The Parapsychological Association

An American non-profit international society of professional researchers engaged in the study of psi phenomena, founded in 1957 and based in Columbus, Ohio. 

The Rhine Research Center

Based in Durham, North Carolina, and grew out of JB Rhine’s parapsychology laboratory at Duke University, dedicated to psi research, education, and community activities. 

The Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS)

In Petaluma, California, mission states, “The mission of the Institute of Noetic Sciences is to reveal the interconnected nature of reality through scientific exploration and personal discovery.”

Society for Psychical Research

A membership organization founded in London in 1882 for the scientific investigation of claims of psychic phenomena. It was the first of its kind.

Division of Perceptual Studies

American psi research unit based at the University of Virginia, the oldest and most productive university-based group in the world, devoted exclusively to studying parapsychological phenomena.

BIAL Foundation

Created in 1994 by BIAL Pharmaceuticals with a mission to “foster the scientific study of the human being from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.”

Institute Métapsychique International(IMI)

France’s leading private society for psi research since 1919 and has made essential contributions in ESP and mediumship research.

Australian Institute of Parapsychological Research

In 1977, the Australian Institute of Parapsychological Research, Incorporated (AIPR) was established in Sydney, New South Wales.

Psychic Ability and Genetics

Are psychic abilities born or bred? Can one learn to be psychic through training, or is it something that exists at birth? All humans are said to have some innate intuitive capabilities. Whether you tap in and use them depends on many factors, including opportunities and early support systems to help guide the individual.

An IONS study attempted to find scientific evidence of a relationship between genetics and psychic abilities. In the article Genetics of psychic ability – A pilot case-control exome sequencing study (Helané Wahbeh, Dean Radin, Garret Yount, Michael A. Woodley of Menzie, Matthew A. Sarraf, Marcela V. Karpuj, 2021), the genetic component of psychic abilities run in the family lines was explored. It was a case-controlled study with 3000 participants surveyed for several factors, including who was psychic and what their capabilities are. 

Out of these questionnaires, those eligible were interviewed and underwent screening tests. 13 subjects were selected, and a control group claimed no psychic abilities. Researchers extracted saliva, and genomes were sequenced. Two blind tests were applied to look at the protein-coding and non-coded sequences. Non-protein-coding region of the psychic subjects was missing a particular variation. 

In conclusion, there was some evidence that there may be a genetic component to psychic abilities. The study was largely anecdotal and had a narrow focus group. However, the researchers advised that broader, more in-depth studies should continue.

Proof of Psychic Ability

The University of Arizona dedicated a research lab VERITAS, which studied psychic phenomena. After it closed in 2008, one of the directors founded the Windbridge Research Center, which is devoted primarily to research around mediumistic abilities. The U.S. government has historically studied psychic skills for use during wartime. Psychics are often used to help in unsolved crime cases, and many law enforcement agencies will enlist help behind the scenes.

A Psychic Perspective

It is interesting to note that a vast body of research is emerging in psychic phenomena and abilities. Whether you believe in psychic powers and paranormal phenomena, are a practitioner, student, client, or skeptic, it is hard to deny that there may be something beyond what can be logically explained. Currently, there is a push to explore and prove whether these senses are innate individuals and how they affect human existence. However, for all the attempts, there is little peer-reviewed scientific research that accurately and successfully demonstrates the presence of psychic abilities. 

Whether scientifically proven or not, there are many examples of people who have encounters showing the existence of psychic senses and phenomena, whether through personal experiences, connecting with practitioners, or energetic healing practices. It is promising to see the interest in studying and understanding these mysterious parts of the brain, which may provide insight on practices to improve health and well-being and bring some context as to why many perceive beyond what is offered by the 5 senses.  What ultimately matters is your personal beliefs and using your discernment to find what is true for you. After all, realities may be more related to the eye or perception of the beholder.

If you want to explore psychic tools, meditation, and psychic development, sign up for our Clairvoyant Meditation Free Open House to learn about course offerings or book a psychic reading or spiritual healing through The Psychic School.