Many people feel like someone is behind them or nearby, even though no one is actually there. Some experience a sensation of touch, while others hear sounds with no obvious cause. In science, such experiences are classified as 'Felt Presence.'
Scientists conducted a study to understand the cause of these sensations and identify similarities between the experiences of different people. The experiences of 206 individuals were examined. Nevertheless, the exact cause of this feeling has not yet been established.
Three groups of participants were formed for the study. The first group consisted of 75 people, including those who reported hearing sounds or had mental health issues. The second group included 47 people who believed in spiritual aspects. The third group comprised 84 athletes who engaged in long-distance running or participated in difficult solo competitions. All participants were sent online questionnaires to compare their responses.
Participants were asked when they felt the presence of an invisible person. They were also asked whether this feeling caused fear, if they heard voices, or if they felt any physical changes. The scientists aimed to find common traits in these diverse experiences.
Many respondents reported feeling as if someone was standing behind them or close by. Some people experienced touch, while others heard sounds. Some also felt they were being watched. However, each person's experience differed. For some, this sensation did not cause fear; they might have thought a deceased loved one was near.
However, some participants were very frightened because they believed an invisible force could harm them. Some athletes also noted a sense of presence during difficult competitions or when alone. This showed that such experiences are not limited to a specific group of people. Nevertheless, these experiences are not proof of the actual existence of ghosts or spirits.
The study found that people who experienced hallucinations or heard sounds were more likely to feel someone's presence. Feelings of fear and doubt were also associated with this experience. People involved in spiritual practices reported similar sensations during meditation or attempts to contact spirits.
Furthermore, some who heard sounds mentioned a sensation of touch or bodily changes. A link with sleep was also identified: some participants from all three groups reported feeling a presence during sleep or upon waking. This may be related to states between sleep and wakefulness. However, the study did not establish that the cause of this phenomenon is the same for every individual.
Scientists discovered that while there were some common features in the experiences of various people related to the feeling of presence, all their experiences were not identical. The study also indicated that such experiences may be linked to states such as delusion, fear, and sleep disturbances.
Nevertheless, scientists have so far been unable to determine the true cause of these sensations. No evidence of ghosts or spirits was found during this study. Further research is necessary for a deeper understanding of this topic, so the feeling of presence is not proof that a ghost or soul is actually there.