Arguably the UK’s best known Parapsychologist, Dr Ciarán has leant his expertise to a myriad of TV and Radio shows as well as books, newspapers, magazines and most recently Uncanny in which he is the much loved resident sceptic
Ahead of Uncanny airing on BBC Radio this Friday 13th, Dr Ciarán lets us know what to expect from the show, his experiences with the paranormal and more.
Tell us about your role in the series
I am an Investigative Psychologist with a particular expertise in Parapsychology – I’m also an avid “ghostbuster” who investigates claims of the paranormal from a sceptical perspective. I’m open minded but always questioning and, if anything, am what Danny likes to call me, a “Hardcore Sceptic!” I bring to the series the alternative natural and scientific explanations for paranormal phenomena. However, I find the detective work involved in “solving” paranormal cases as equally fascinating as the thought that something supernatural is at play.
Why do you think people are so keen to believe in the paranormal?
A number of different reasons. It could be to do with a misunderstanding or lack of awareness of perfectly natural phenomena and so ostensibly paranormal phenomena is regarded by people as unexplained because they do not have an explanation for it. It may also be to do with disenchantment with science and/or religion. Are people finding the answers they want from the experts in those areas? Haunting experiences provide the personal evidence individuals may crave that cannot be found elsewhere. Additionally, there is the hope in an afterlife that fuels paranormal belief. The evidence provided in personal haunting experiences confirms life after death and this, in a way, can be comforting to some.
Why do you think stories of the paranormal are such a draw to people?
I was asked a similar question last year by The British Psychological Society. There is a neuropsychological reason for a fascination with paranormal (and ghost) stories – we get an adrenalin rush when something spooks us or something scary happens which releases endorphins and dopamine, so put simply, there is a chemical process that creates a similar sense of euphoria. Some say that having a ‘scary ghost experience’ is like being on a rollercoaster, we are hijacking the natural flight response and enjoying it. There are also other factors at play, and often it can be down to personality type and whether we are sensation seekers – some people crave this rush and buzz that comes from a ‘scary’ experience, whereas some people want to avoid it. These reactions are often developed over years and our formative years, and how people around us react to scary experiences/moments can impact where we sit on that sensation-seeking scale and temperament. We also have to look at the collective experience, so when you go to watch a scary movie, or go ‘ghost hunting’, or are part of a community listening to the same story, this is a collective experience, and you are creating a shared experience and bond with others. It can create bonds and a sense of collectiveness – you are hearing these ‘scary’ experiences in a safe and controlled environment and it can be a controlled way of playing on our brain’s natural reactions. You also can’t ignore good old curiosity. The unknown is one of the oldest curiosities that we have –what happens to us when we die? Is there an afterlife, do we turn into ghosts? I meet people all the time who are intensely curious about what they see as the unknown or the ‘dark side’ and that drives them to experience situations that are uncomfortable or scary.
Have you experienced any paranormal/unexplainable activity yourself?
Over the last 40 years I’ve had 100s of experiences that other people would call “paranormal”. But being knowledgeable about the psychological and environmental variables I am able to explain those experiences. However, I did go down into the lower class accommodation area of the haunted SS Great Britain, as part of an investigation, and felt “spooked”. I wish there was a better way of explaining it. Additionally, I was investigating one of the WWII German Bunkers on Guernsey when my wife had an odd experience that I find difficult to explain. I was deep into the bunker (a vast network of rooms and corridors) whilst she waited outside. We were the only ones in the location and she heard footsteps coming towards her from round the corner. She called out my name and the footsteps shuffled to a stop then went away. She cried out for me and I ran back (took a few minutes). She was visibly distraught. We had the only key that locked the place and had locked ourselves in…
What’s the closest you’ve got to believing in paranormal activity?
I remain objectively sceptical throughout all investigations and in hearing accounts of ghostly encounters. I am more swayed by the eyewitness testimony from others that my own experiences. For example, moments in “The Battersea Poltergeist” Case were genuine head-scratching moments. There have also been some Uncanny moments (including this series) that have pushed my sceptical armour to the max…
The series begins on Friday 13th…have you ever had any odd experiences on that day? What is so spooky about it?
I love Friday 13th. It brings out fascinating conversations about phobias – the key one being triskaidekaphobia and friggatriskaidekaphobia – fear of the number 13 and fear of Friday 13th , respectively. Never had any odd experiences at all. There’s a whole history of association regarding the day/number that results in it being thought of as “spooky”. For example, The Last Supper (13 at the table), the Knights Templar being arrested on Friday, October 13, 1307 (a modern interpretation of why Friday 13th is unlucky that appears to have originated from The Da Vinci Code!). etc.
Uncanny airs on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer on Friday 13th October at 9pm
