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An Anxious Prediction is a thought pattern:

An Anxious Prediction is a thought pattern where a person automatically expects something negative, threatening, embarrassing, or harmful to happen in the future, often without solid evidence.

It is common in anxiety disorders, stress reactions, and everyday worry.

Examples:

  • “I’m probably going to fail the interview.”
  • “They must be upset with me.”
  • “Something bad is going to happen.”
  • “I’ll embarrass myself.”
  • “If I make one mistake, everything will fall apart.”

Psychologically, anxious predictions are connected to:

  • Catastrophic thinking: imagining worst case outcomes
  • Future oriented fear
  • Threat bias: the mind scanning for danger
  • Intolerance of uncertainty: discomfort with not knowing what will happen

The anxious mind may treat predictions as if they are facts rather than possibilities.

A helpful distinction is:

Thought TypeExample
Realistic planning“I should prepare in case there are challenges.”
Anxious prediction“It’s definitely going to go badly.”

Common signs of anxious prediction:

  • Overestimating danger
  • Underestimating coping ability
  • Rehearsing negative scenarios repeatedly
  • Seeking reassurance
  • Avoiding situations because of imagined outcomes

Possibly in therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, people are taught to:

  • Notice the prediction
  • Label it as a thought, not a certainty
  • Examine evidence
  • Tolerate uncertainty
  • Refocus on present-moment reality

A useful reframing may be

“This is an anxious prediction, not a guaranteed outcome.”

That shift helps create psychological distance from the fear rather than becoming fused with it.

Shervan K Shahhian

Mr. Ted Owens was The Greatest American Psychic, UFO Contactee and Prophet for some:

Ted Owens was The greatest American Psychic Claimant, UFO Contactee and Prophet for some, who became known as “The PK Man” (“PK” standing for psychokinesis, or mind over matter effects). He claimed that he was in telepathic communication with extraterrestrial or “Space Intelligence” entities that enabled him to influence physical events, including weather, electrical systems, UFO appearances, and even large scale natural phenomena.

Background

Prophet Owens served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and later studied at Duke University, where he worked with pioneering parapsychologist J. B. Rhine in the university’s parapsychology laboratory.

His Claims

Prophet Owens asserted that “Space Intelligences” had altered his mind, allowing him to communicate with them telepathically. He claimed these intelligences could:

  • Produce storms, droughts, and earthquakes.
  • Cause power failures and mechanical malfunctions.
  • Generate UFO sightings.
  • Influence public events and human behavior.
  • Provide him with information about future events.

Many of his claims centered on documented predictions mailed to scientists, journalists, and officials before events occurred. He maintained extensive files of correspondence and newspaper clippings that he believed supported his abilities.

Jeffrey Mishlove’s Investigation

Parapsychologist Jeffrey Mishlove: (The greatest Parapsychologist in the modern times), studied Owens from 1976 until Prophet Owens’s death in 1987. Mishlove later wrote the book The PK Man: A True Story of Mind Over Matter, arguing that Prophet Owens’s case deserved serious investigation because of the volume of documented predictions and unusual coincidences associated with him.

Controversy

Prophet Ted Owens remains a highly controversial figure. Supporters view him as one of the most extensively documented psychics in modern history, while skeptics argue that his apparent successes may be explained by selective reporting, broad predictions, coincidence, and confirmation bias. Some negative critics have also suggested that some of his beliefs may reflect delusional or grandiose thinking rather than genuine paranormal phenomena.

Why He Remains Important in Parapsychology

For many researchers and enthusiasts of parapsychology, Prophet Owens represents a fascinating case because:

  • His claims were recorded over many years.
  • He actively sought scientific attention rather than avoiding scrutiny.
  • Thousands of pages of letters, predictions, and reports survive in archives.
  • His case sits at the intersection of psychokinesis, UFO contact experiences, prophecy, and anomalous cognition.

Given your interest in Controlled Remote Viewing and “Space Intelligences,” Prophet Owens is often discussed as one of the most unusual figures linking psychic phenomena with purported non-human intelligences. His case remains unresolved: believers see compelling evidence of genuine anomalies, while negative and argumentative skeptics see a cautionary example of how extraordinary Psychical Powers can be interpreted through different extraordinary lenses.

Shervan K Shahhian

Parapsychology: Crisis Apparitions are reports of seeing, hearing, or sensing,…

Crisis Apparitions are reports of seeing, hearing, or sensing a person at about the same time that person is experiencing a life threatening crisis, serious accident, or death, often when the experiencer had no normal way of knowing what was happening.

Examples include:

  • Seeing a relative appear briefly in a room, only to learn later that the relative died at roughly the same time.
  • Hearing a loved one’s voice calling one’s name during a medical emergency.
  • Feeling a vivid presence accompanied by a strong sense that someone is in danger.

Characteristics of Crisis Apparitions

  • Usually occur unexpectedly.
  • Often involve a family member, close friend, or loved one.
  • May be visual, auditory, tactile, or simply a strong sense of presence.
  • Typically last only a few seconds or minutes.
  • The apparition usually appears normal rather than ghostlike.

Possible Explanations

Different perspectives have been proposed:

Psychological

  • Coincidence combined with selective memory.
  • Grief, stress, expectation, or misinterpretation of ordinary experiences.
  • Memory reconstruction after learning of the crisis.

Parapsychological

  • Some researchers suggest a form of telepathic communication occurring during extreme emotional events.
  • Others interpret them as evidence that consciousness can function independently of the mind, especially in cases occurring around death.

Skeptical View

  • Controversial skeptics argue that apparent correspondences between experiences and crises may arise by chance, reporting biases, and retrospective matching of events.

Are They Common?

Studies of bereavement and anomalous experiences suggest that sensing the presence of deceased loved ones is relatively common. However, crisis apparitions, where the experience occurs simultaneously with a distant crisis or death, are much rarer and remain controversial.

In parapsychology, crisis apparitions are considered one of the classic categories of spontaneous psi experiences, alongside telepathic impressions, precognitive dreams, and other anomalous experiences. They remain an intriguing topic in both psychical research and consciousness studies.

Shervan K Shahhian

Parapsychology: Bereavement Apparitions are experiences in which a person perceives,…

Bereavement Apparitions are experiences in which a person perceives the presence of a deceased loved one after that person’s death. These experiences are surprisingly common and are often reported during the grieving process.

Common Types of Bereavement Apparitions

People may report:

  • Seeing: the deceased person briefly.
  • Hearing: their voice.
  • Feeling their presence: in the room.
  • Sensing a touch: such as a hand on the shoulder.
  • Smelling a familiar scent: associated with the deceased.
  • Having vivid visitation dreams: that feel unusually real.

How Common Are They?

Research in grief psychology and psychical research suggests that bereaved individuals report some form of post death sensory or presence experience. Many people who have these experiences do not have a mental illness and may find them comforting rather than distressing.

Psychological Perspective

Psychologists often view bereavement apparitions as a normal part of adapting to loss. Possible explanations include:

  • The mind’s continued expectation that the loved one is present.
  • Strong emotional bonds and attachment.
  • Memory and perception processes during grief.
  • Dreams and altered states occurring during bereavement.

From this perspective, the experience does not necessarily indicate a psychiatric disorder: please, consult with a Psychiatrist.

Parapsychological Perspective

Within the field of Parapsychology, some researchers have considered whether certain bereavement apparitions might represent evidence for the survival of consciousness after death. This remains controversial and has not been accepted as established by stereotypical mainstream science.

When to Seek Help

Bereavement apparitions are generally not considered a problem if they:

  • Are brief and comforting.
  • Occur in the context of normal grief.
  • Do not impair daily functioning.

Professional evaluation may be helpful if the experiences are highly distressing, persistent, involve dangerous commands, or occur alongside other symptoms of psychosis or severe mental illness: please, consult with a Psychiatrist.

Example

A widow may wake during the night and clearly see her deceased husband sitting in a favorite chair for a few seconds before the image fades. She recognizes that her spouse has died, but the experience feels vivid and comforting. This would be a classic example of a bereavement apparition.

Many grief counselors today view such experiences as part of the broad range of normal human responses to loss, regardless of whether they are interpreted psychologically, spiritually, or parapsychologically.

Shervan K Shahhian

Scientific Psychology is the study of behavior, thoughts, emotions, and mental processes,…

Scientific Psychology is the study of behavior, thoughts, emotions, and mental processes using the scientific method. Rather than relying on intuition, personal opinion, or anecdotal evidence, scientific psychology develops and tests theories through systematic observation, experimentation, and data analysis.

Core Principles of Scientific Psychology

1. Empirical Evidence

Scientific psychology is based on observable and measurable evidence. Psychologists collect data through:

  • Experiments
  • Surveys
  • Interviews
  • Psychological tests
  • Behavioral observations
  • Brain imaging techniques: Consult with a Radiologist

Conclusions are drawn from evidence rather than assumptions.

2. The Scientific Method

Psychologists typically follow these steps:

  1. Observe a phenomenon.
  2. Ask a research question.
  3. Form a hypothesis.
  4. Conduct research or experiments.
  5. Analyze the data.
  6. Draw conclusions.
  7. Replicate the findings.

Replication helps determine whether results are reliable.

3. Objectivity

Researchers strive to minimize personal bias by using:

  • Standardized procedures
  • Control groups
  • Random assignment
  • Blind and double blind methods
  • Statistical analysis

Objectivity increases the credibility of findings.

4. Testable and Falsifiable Theories

Scientific theories must be capable of being tested and potentially disproven.

For example:

  • “Sleep deprivation impairs memory performance.”
    • ✔ Testable
  • “Invisible spirits influence memory.”
    • ✘ Not conventionally and scientifically testable in its usual form because it does not conventionally produce measurable, falsifiable predictions.

Major Areas of Scientific Psychology

Scientific psychology may encompass many specialties, including:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Behavioral Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Biological Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Neuropsychology
  • Health Psychology
  • Industrial and Organizational Psychology
  • Forensic Psychology

Possible, Common Research Methods

Researchers may use different methods depending on the question being studied.

MethodPurpose
ExperimentsDetermine cause and effect relationships
Correlational studiesIdentify relationships between variables
Longitudinal studiesExamine changes over time
Cross sectional studiesCompare different groups at one point in time
Case studiesGain in depth understanding of individuals or rare phenomena
Meta analysisCombine results from many studies to estimate overall effects

Statistics in Scientific Psychology

Statistics help psychologists determine whether findings are meaningful.

Common concepts may include:

  • Mean, median, and mode
  • Standard deviation
  • Correlation
  • Probability
  • Statistical significance
  • Effect size
  • Confidence intervals

Modern psychology increasingly emphasizes effect sizes, confidence intervals, and replication rather than relying only on statistical significance.

Ethics in Psychological Research

Research involving humans may follows ethical guidelines established by organizations such as the American Psychological Association.

Key ethical principles include:

  • Informed consent
  • Confidentiality
  • Protection from unnecessary harm
  • Right to withdraw
  • Debriefing after participation
  • Review by an institutional ethics committee

Evidence Based Practice

Scientific psychology may also guide clinical work through evidence based practice, which may integrate:

  1. The best available scientific research.
  2. The clinician’s expertise.
  3. The client’s values, preferences, and cultural background.

This approach helps ensure that assessment and treatment decisions are informed by research while remaining individualized.

Strengths

Scientific psychology:

  • Produces reliable, testable knowledge.
  • Identifies causes and risk factors for behavior.
  • Improves psychological treatments.
  • Helps reduce bias through systematic methods.
  • Contributes to education, healthcare, business, and public policy.

Limitations

Some aspects of human experience maybe difficult to study scientifically, such as:

  • Subjective emotions
  • Personal meaning
  • Spiritual experiences
  • The Paranormal
  • Cultural influences
  • Rare or unique psychological phenomena

Researchers may often address these complexities by combining quantitative methods (experiments, surveys) with qualitative approaches (interviews and thematic analysis).

Scientific Psychology and Parapsychology

It’s worth noting that scientific psychology and parapsychology differ primarily in their standards of evidence rather than in the questions they ask.

Scientific psychology generally investigates phenomena that can be measured, replicated, and independently verified. Parapsychology explores claims such as telepathy, psychokinesis, and survival of consciousness. Some researchers have attempted to study these topics using scientific methods, but the findings remain controversial because they have not consistently met the standards of robust replication and broad acceptance required by controversial mainstream science.

In summary: 

Scientific psychology is the systematic, empirical study of behavior and mental processes. Its defining feature is not a particular theory about the mind, but a commitment to using rigorous methods, critical thinking, and reproducible evidence to understand human thought, emotion, and behavior.

Shervan K Shahhian

Machiavellianism maybe a personality trait characterized by strategic manipulation:

Machiavellianism is a personality trait characterized by strategic manipulation, emotional detachment, and a focus on personal gain or power. The term comes from Niccolò Machiavelli, whose writings, especially The Prince, were interpreted as emphasizing pragmatic, sometimes ruthless political strategy.

Key characteristics

  • Manipulative behavior: influencing others to achieve one’s goals.
  • Strategic thinking: planning several steps ahead.
  • Emotional detachment: making decisions with less regard for feelings.
  • Cynicism: assuming others are motivated by self-interest.
  • Focus on power, status, or advantage: prioritizing outcomes over relationships.

Common behaviors

A person high in Machiavellianism might:

  • Use flattery strategically.
  • Withhold information when it benefits them.
  • Form alliances for practical reasons rather than emotional closeness.
  • Exploit weaknesses or conflicts between people.
  • Appear charming while pursuing a hidden agenda.

Machiavellianism vs. healthy influence

Healthy influenceMachiavellian influence
Transparent communicationHidden motives
Mutual benefitPrimarily self-benefit
Respect for boundariesWillingness to bend boundaries
Empathy and trustCalculated use of trust
Long-term healthy relationshipsLong-term control or advantage

The “Dark Triad”

In psychology, Machiavellianism maybe grouped with:

Machiavellianism

Strategic manipulation

Manipulation and strategic exploitation

Narcissism

Grandiosity

Grandiosity and need for admiration

Psychopathy

Low empathy

Low empathy, impulsivity, and callousness

Together they are called the Dark Triad. Someone may be high in one trait and not necessarily high in the others.

Is Machiavellianism a disorder?

No. It maybe considered a personality trait, not a mental disorder. However, very high levels may contribute to interpersonal problems, unethical behavior, workplace conflict, or exploitative relationships.

Signs in relationships

Potential red flags

Repeated pattern

  • Frequent guilt tripping or emotional leverage
  • Selective honesty
  • Playing people against each other
  • Keeping score of favors
  • Using affection, attention, or approval as a bargaining tool
  • Rarely accepting responsibility when caught manipulating

What research says

Studies generally find that people higher in Machiavellianism tend to:

  • Be effective in short term competitive situations.
  • Excel at reading social dynamics.
  • Have lower levels of empathy and trust.
  • Experience more unstable or conflict-prone relationships.
  • Be viewed as less trustworthy over time.

A simple example

Healthy negotiation: “Let’s find a solution that works for both of us.”

Machiavellian approach: “If I make them feel guilty and reveal only part of the information, I can get the outcome I want.”

The key difference

Intent matters

The key difference is not simply being strategic. Strategic thinking is normal and often healthy. Machiavellianism involves using strategy, manipulation, and emotional leverage primarily for personal advantage, often with little concern for the other person’s wellbeing.

Shervan K Shahhian

Dark Psychology may not be a recognized branch of psychology:

Dark Psychology is not a recognized branch of psychology. It is a popular term used to describe the study or discussion of manipulative, coercive, and exploitative behaviors that some people use to influence others.

Topics maybe associated with “dark psychology” include:

  • Manipulation: influencing someone for personal gain without their informed consent.
  • Gaslighting: making someone question their own memories, perceptions, or sanity.
  • Emotional manipulation: using guilt, fear, or affection to control another person.
  • Deception: lying or withholding information to gain an advantage.
  • Persuasion techniques: when used unethically to exploit rather than inform.
  • Traits that could be linked to the Dark Triad:
    • Narcissism
    • Machiavellianism
    • Psychopathy

It’s important to distinguish between:

  • Scientific psychology: which studies these behaviors objectively using research.
  • “Dark psychology” books and online content: which may exaggerate or oversimplify the science and sometimes make unsupported claims about “mind control” or secret manipulation techniques.

If your goal is to learn about this topic responsibly, it’s generally more useful to focus on:

  • Recognizing manipulation tactics.
  • Setting healthy boundaries.
  • Improving critical thinking and emotional intelligence.
  • Understanding evidence-based psychology rather than sensational claims online.

Shervan K Shahhian

Emotional Blackmail is a form of psychological manipulation:

Emotional Blackmail is a form of psychological manipulation in which someone uses fear, obligation, guilt, shame, or affection to pressure another person into doing what they want. The goal is to control another person’s behavior by exploiting the relationship rather than communicating openly and respectfully.

How Emotional Blackmail Works

It often follows a predictable pattern:

A demand

The person wants you to do something.

Example: “You need to cancel your plans and stay with me.”

Resistance

You politely decline or express your own needs.

Pressure

They increase the emotional pressure.

They may criticize, guilt trip, threaten, or play the victim.

Compliance

You give in to stop the conflict or avoid feeling guilty.

Repetition

They learn that this strategy works and continue using it.

Common Tactics

1. Guilt Tripping

Making you feel responsible for their emotions.

Examples:

“After everything I’ve done for you…”

“You’re so selfish.”

“A good son/daughter would help.”

2. Fear

Creating fear of consequences.

Examples:

“If you leave me, I’ll never recover.”

“You’ll regret this.”

“Don’t expect me to be there for you.”

3. Obligation

Making you feel indebted.

Examples:

“You owe me.”

“I sacrificed everything for you.”

4. Shame

Attacking your character.

Examples:

“You’re a terrible friend.”

“Only bad people would say no.”

5. Silent Treatment

Using withdrawal of affection or communication as punishment.

Examples:

Ignoring texts.

Refusing to speak for days.

6. Playing the Victim

Presenting themselves as helpless to make you feel guilty.

Examples:

“Nobody cares about me.”

“Everyone abandons me.”

7. Conditional Love

Making affection dependent on obedience.

Examples:

“If you loved me, you would…”

“I thought you cared about me.”

The FOG Model

F – Fear

Fear of conflict, rejection, abandonment, or punishment.

O – Obligation

Feeling you “should” do what they ask.

G – Guilt

Feeling like a bad person for saying no.

When you’re in FOG, it becomes difficult to make decisions based on your own values and needs.

Why People Use Emotional Blackmail

Not everyone who uses these tactics is intentionally malicious. Some people learned these behaviors growing up or use them because they struggle to communicate their needs effectively. Others may use them deliberately to gain control.

Possible reasons include:

  • Poor emotional regulation
  • Fear of abandonment
  • Insecure attachment
  • Learned family patterns
  • Desire for control
  • Certain personality traits or disorders (though emotional blackmail is not specific to any one diagnosis)

Signs You May Be Experiencing Emotional Blackmail

You might notice that:

  • You constantly feel guilty for saying no.
  • You feel responsible for someone else’s happiness.
  • You walk on eggshells.
  • You often give in just to keep the peace.
  • Your boundaries are repeatedly ignored.
  • You feel anxious before expressing your own needs.

Signs You May Be Experiencing Emotional Blackmail

You might notice that:

You constantly feel guilty for saying no.

You feel responsible for someone else’s happiness.

You walk on eggshells.

You often give in just to keep the peace.

Your boundaries are repeatedly ignored.

You feel anxious before expressing your own needs.

Healthy Ways to Respond

Stay calm and avoid reacting impulsively.

Acknowledge their feelings without accepting unfair responsibility.

“I understand you’re upset.”

Repeat your boundary clearly.

“I can’t do that.”

Avoid lengthy justifications, which may invite further pressure.

Recognize guilt as a feeling, not proof that you’ve done something wrong.

If the pattern is ongoing, consider limiting contact or seeking support from trusted friends or a mental health professional.

Example

Emotional Blackmail

Person A: “I can’t lend you money this month.”

Person B: “I guess you don’t care if I end up homeless. After everything I’ve done for you.”

The second response attempts to create guilt rather than discuss the situation constructively.

Healthy Alternative

Person A: “I can’t lend you money this month.”

Person B: “I’m disappointed, but I understand. I’ll look for other options.”

This response expresses emotion while respecting the other person’s decision.

Key Point

Emotional blackmail differs from healthy emotional expression. It’s normal for people to express sadness, disappointment, or frustration. It becomes emotional blackmail when those emotions are used as tools of pressure or control, rather than shared honestly in a way that respects the other person’s autonomy and boundaries.

Shervan K Shahhian

Healthy Requests vs. Emotional Blackmail

Healthy CommunicationEmotional Blackmail
Respects your choicePunishes your choice
Accepts “no”Refuses to accept “no”
Discusses feelings honestlyUses feelings as leverage
Encourages compromiseDemands compliance
Respects boundariesViolates boundaries

Shervan K Shahhian

Love Bombing maybe a manipulation tactic in which someone overwhelms another person with:

Love Bombing maybe a manipulation tactic in which someone overwhelms another person with excessive affection, attention, gifts, compliments, or promises early in a relationship, or after conflict, to quickly create emotional dependence or regain control.

It may look like:

Constant texting or calling and expecting immediate replies.

Saying “I love you” or talking about marriage very early.

Lavish gifts or grand romantic gestures that feel overwhelming.

Making you feel like you’re their “soulmate” almost immediately.

Wanting to spend all their time with you and discouraging your independence.

The key difference between healthy affection and love bombing is intent and consistency:

Healthy affection respects your boundaries, develops naturally over time, and doesn’t come with pressure or expectations.

Love bombing often serves to gain control, and the intense affection may later be replaced by criticism, guilt, manipulation, or emotional withdrawal if you don’t meet the person’s expectations.

Some warning signs include:

Feeling rushed into commitment.

Feeling guilty for wanting personal space.

The person’s behavior changes dramatically once you’re emotionally invested.

They use affection as a reward and withdraw it as punishment.

Not everyone who is very affectionate is love bombing. Some people genuinely express excitement and care early in relationships. The concern arises when the affection is excessive, manipulative, ignores your boundaries, or is part of a repeating cycle of idealization followed by devaluation.

Shervan K Shahhian