Hidden Memories

Alien abductions, satanic kidnappings, the channeling of spirits, the recall of past lives and other similar bizarre experiences are reported almost daily in the media. Is there a rational explanation for these events? According to Robert A. Baker, such irregular or supernatural experiences are manifestations of hidden memories, a phenomenon in which experiences that originally make little conscious impression are filed away in the brain and later are suddenly remembered in an altered form. In Hidden Memories, the most recent scientific evidence on memory is used to dispel many supernatural beliefs and to show how the boundaries of human behavior are often misperceived by therapists, especially those who adhere to fringe beliefs. He shows how delusions and illusions affect behavior and discusses the role hypnosis, imagination, and suggestion play in the creation of other worldly experiences. Finally, Baker looks at the media's role in aiding and abetting paranormal belief in addition to promoting the growth of superstitions and popular myths.