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This article refers to the paranormal activity. For other uses, see Poltergeist (disambiguation)

A poltergeist is a ghost or spirit that is able produce sounds such as knockings. Its name is derived from German and means 'noisy ghost.' Some parapsychologists do not consider a poltergeist a ghost in the traditional sense, classifying it as a separate type of entity. Many parapsychologists do not consider the manifestations the result of an external entity, but unintentional psychokinesis by someone in the household. For this reason, the term RSPK (Recurrent Spontaneous Psychokinesis) may also be used.

Typically, these "manifestations" occur in homes where a child or young adult is present, in a less than happy household environment. When sufficiently investigated, it is often found that the child is in fact perpetrating a hoax as a ploy to get attention. Tina Resch, declared authentic by Roll, is one infamous example, having been caught on camera knocking over a lamp. It was later discovered that Tina, adopted, was using the media to find her biological parents.

Books

• The Poltergeist by William G. Roll. (2004). ISBN 978-1931044691

William Roll is considered the leading authority on poltergeists, and has written extensively on the topic. His book, The Poltergeist (first published in 1972), is widely regarded as one of the most important on the subject.

See also

• Ghost
• Haunting

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