An integrative biopsychosocial model to explain associations between trauma history, paranormal experience and belief

Psychological trauma increases the likelihood of reporting paranormal experience. A team led by Alex Sumich and supported by BIAL foundation will examine, for the first time, the role of the immune system (inflammation) and brain function in explaining the link between trauma, paranormal experience and belief.

Psychological trauma can result in chronically dysregulated inflammation, which affects the catabolism of an amino acid known as tryptophan, disrupting brain chemistry (in particular glutamate and serotonin systems). This is expected to alter neurocognitive function as measured using electroencephalography.  We think that as trauma alters the immune system (inflammation), it changes tryptophan catabolism rate and concomitant neurophysiology, which increases the likelihood of someone having paranormal experiences and/or beliefs.

To test these ideas, we will run a two-phase project. Phase I will gather information using online survey tools on self-reported psychological wellbeing, history of trauma and paranormal experience/belief in a large group of people (>600 participants). We will use a statistical method known as latent profile analysis to group people into clusters as a function of trauma history and paranormal experience. In Phase II, a sub-cohort (n=160) will be invited for molecular and brain function tests. We anticipate being able to differentiate groups based on molecular and brain measures, and will compare statistical models to explain individual differences in paranormal experience and belief. This will be the first time anyone has tested a theory integrating psychological and neurobiological measures to explain the well-established relationship between trauma history, paranormal experience and belief.