abduction phenomenon

The narrative of the abduction phenomenon is an alleged core of similarity in contents and chronology underlying various claims of forced temporary abduction of humans by apparently otherworldly beings. Proponents of the abduction phenomenon contend that this similarity is evidence of the veracity of the phenomenon as an objective reality, although this belief is disregarded by most scientists, who regard alien abduction as a purely psychological and cultural phenomenon. Skeptics of the abduction phenomenon contend that similarities between reports arise from commonalities rooted in human psychology and neurology or cast doubt on the presence of similarities between reports at all. They note the evolving contents of abduction claims and the apparent effect of culture on the details of the narratives as evidence that the phenomenon is a purely subjective experience. Skeptics also point out the likelihood of large numbers of hoaxes being present in the abduction literature. Currently the skeptical perspective is the most prevalent among scientists and academics. Many scientists believe that pro-abduction researchers are practising pseudoscience, alleging that they lack the skepticism and methodological rigor of true scientists. Believers assert that it is unlikely for hundreds of people to independently generate such similar narratives while apparently having no knowledge of each other's claims. Some abduction investigators attempt to confirm the reality of events reported in abduction claims through observation or experimentation, although such efforts are generally dismissed as pseudoscientific by mainstream academics.

Overview

Although different cases vary in detail (sometimes significantly), some UFO researchers, such as folklorist Thomas E. Bullard[1] argue that there is a broad, fairly consistent sequence and description of events which make up the typical "close encounter of the fourth kind" (a popular but unofficial designation building on Dr. J. Allen Hynek's classifying terminology). Though the features outlined below are often reported, there is some disagreement as to exactly how often they actually occur. Some researchers (especially Budd Hopkins and David Michael Jacobs) have been accused of excluding, minimising or suppressing testimony or data which do not fit a certain paradigm for the phenomenon.

Bullard argues most abduction accounts feature the following events. They generally follow the sequence noted below, though not all abductions feature all the events: 1.Capture. The abductee is forcibly taken from terrestrial surroundings to an apparent alien space craft. 2.Examination. Invasive medical or scientific procedures are performed on the abductee. 3.Conference. The abductors speak to the abductee. 4.Tour. The abductees are given a tour of their captors' vessel. 5.Loss of Time. Abductees rapidly forget the majority of their experience. 6.Return. The abductees are returned to earth. Occasionally in a different location from where they were allegedly taken or with new injuries or disheveled clothing. 7.Theophany. The abductee has a profound mystical experience, accompanied by a feeling of oneness with God or the universe. 8.Aftermath. The abductee must cope with the psychological, physical, and social effects of the experience.

Nyman's alternate outline

Abduction researcher Joe Nyman has composed a similar but alternative model for abduction narratives.[2]

1.Anxious Anticipation of Something Unknown.[2] The abductee feels that something "familiar yet unknown" will soon occur. 2.Transition of Consciousness and Immediate Aftermath.[2] An altered state of consciousness overtakes the abductee rendering them docile and incapable of resistance. 3.Psycho-physical Imposition and Interation.[2] Apparently alien beings forcibly perform medical and scientific procedures on the abductee. 4.Reassurance, Positive Feelings, and a Sense of Purpose Given.[2] The captors suddenly act more benevolently and the experience takes a turn to the positive. 5.Transition of Consciousness to Normal Waking.[2] The altered state of consciousness induced in the second step ends. 6.Rapid Forgetfulness of Most or All Memory of Experience.[2] Most memories of the experience fade. 7.Marker Stage.[2] Missing time noted, bizarre but seemingly non-sensical memories of being abducted by aliens are present. Sometimes there are recurring nightmares. 8.Cycle Interval.[2] Normal life resumes until the next experience. When describing the "abduction scenario"[3], David M. Jacobs says:

The entire abduction event is precisely orchestrated. All the procedures are predetermined. There is no standing around and deciding what to do next. The beings are task-oriented and there is no indication whatsoever that we have been able to find of any aspect of their lives outside of performing the abduction procedures.[3]

Alleged alien abductions are often closely connected to UFO reports, and are sometimes supposedly conducted by so-called Greys: Short, grey-skinned humanoids with large, pear-shaped heads and enormous dark eyes, although many different types of abducting entities have been reported, and the reported abductors seem to vary by the culture and place of origin of the experience.