Individuals Who Report Being Abducted by Aliens: Investigating the Differences in Fantasy Proneness, Emotional Intelligence and the Big Five Personality Factors

Abstract

This study explores individual differences in people claiming to have been abducted by aliens. A sample of 26 alien abductee experiencers (AAErs) plus 26 non-AAEr controls completed self-report measures of fantasy proneness, emotional intelligence, and the big five personality factors. Analysis of Covariance controlling of participants' level of educational attainment revealed no group differences in any of the three fantasy sub-scales (the vividness/realism of fantasies, escapist fantasies, and make-believe fantasies), any of the four EI sub-scales (optimism/mood regulation, the appraisal of emotions, social skills, and the utilization of emotions) or in four of the big five personality factors examined. However, AAErs did rate themselves to be more conscientious than controls, possibly in an attempt to portray themselves as trustworthy and reliable witnesses. Implications for the psychological study of alien abduction experiences are discussed.