Childhood “astral journeys” may not be as harmless as they seem—or so claims Marina Weiler, a researcher from the United States. Out-of-body experiences, especially at a young age, can be genuinely frightening and may be sources of lasting psychological trauma. The problem lies in misunderstanding: when a child finds themselves outside their body, they don’t know what’s happening and might conclude that they’ve been abducted by aliens or evil spirits.
Parents should be alert if their child is afraid of falling asleep, cries in the morning, or complains about being unable to move (this is a sign of sleep paralysis, which often accompanies out-of-body experiences). It’s important to talk to the child, explain what’s happening to them, and suggest “magical” ways to combat their fear. For example, you can encourage your child to imagine that they are a superhero who controls the situation.
Open dialogue and an adequate interpretation of these unusual experiences can help a child not only cope with fear but also better understand themselves. Ultimately, nocturnal “adventures” can be beneficial, as they can strengthen a child’s self-confidence and enrich their inner world.
Did you experience phase states in childhood? Were you afraid of them?
A preprint of the article was published in April 2025 on SSRN.
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