Playing in the Field: Exploring the nature and emergence of extra sensory experiences with children

Abstract

Children can report experiences such as Imaginary Companions, OBEs, exceptional dreams, mediumship abilities, peak experiences, hearing voices and having visions. They experience these phenomena and so-called non-ordinary realities in both formal and informal contexts such as homes, natural spaces, hospitals and schools. A multi-disciplinary approach –narrative talk, art and play– is necessary when examining children’s extra sensory experiences. Preliminary findings from a pro�gram of research with children are examined in this article to consider, a) types of experiences children report; b) children’s activities and extra sensory experiences; and c) medical factors which may influence
their extra sensory experiences. The article details methodology, findings, and considerations for further research with children and legitimizes reports made by children as data which carries an epistemic authority over their subjective living experiences.