Psychical Research: Unlocking the Mind’s Hidden Frontiers
Scientifically Reviewed · Dr. Marwa Abd-Alazim · October 12, 2026
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The American Society for Psychical Research (ASPR) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to the investigation and study of anomalous phenomena. Founded in 1885, the ASPR is the oldest psychical research organization in the United States. It is interested in a wide range of topics, including paranormal phenomena, psi, extrasensory perception, near-death experiences, reincarnation, and survival after death. The ASPR takes a scientific approach to the study of these phenomena, and is dedicated to research that is objective, systematic, interdisciplinary, and empirically based.
The ASPR’s research program is divided into four main areas: laboratory experiments, field investigations, historical studies, and theoretical research. The laboratory experiments seek to investigate a range of paranormal phenomena, such as telepathy, clairvoyance, and psychokinesis. The field investigations are performed in a variety of settings, including private homes, public places, and other locations where paranormal activity is reported. The historical studies examine the documented cases of paranormal phenomena throughout history. The theoretical research focuses on the theoretical implications of the research and the development of new theories.
The ASPR also sponsors conferences, seminars, and workshops to promote the exchange of ideas among researchers and to provide educational opportunities for the public. The ASPR publishes a quarterly journal, the Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research, which includes articles and book reviews by leading researchers in the field. The ASPR also maintains a library of books and journals related to psychical research.
The ASPR has a long history of involvement in the study of psychical phenomena. It has been involved in some of the most famous cases of paranormal activity, such as the Enfield poltergeist and the Scole experiment. It has also been involved in the study of near-death experiences, reincarnation, and survival after death. The ASPR is committed to the rigorous scientific study of anomalous phenomena and has an international reputation for its research.
References:
American Society for Psychical Research. (n.d.). About ASPR. Retrieved from https://www.aspr.com/about-aspr/
Grosso, M. (2002). The American Society for Psychical Research: Its first hundred years. In J. Beloff (Ed.), The historical dimensions of psychical research (pp. 255-272). Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, Inc.
Schilder, K. (2003). The history of the ASPR. In G. K. Zollschan & J. F. Schumaker (Eds.), Exploring the paranormal: Perspectives on belief and experience (pp. 38-50). Amsterdam: John Benjamins Publishing.
