About

Dr. James Houran, PhD, is an internationally recognized psychologist and parapsychologist whose research has significantly shaped the scientific study of paranormal and anomalous experiences. With more than 30 years of applied research experience, his work spans ghostly phenomena, transliminality, psychometrics of anomalous experiences, and the psychology of belief and perception. Dr. Houran holds a BA in Psychology from Benedictine University, an MA in Clinical Psychology from the University of Illinois at Springfield, and a PhD in Medicine (Psychology) from the University of Adelaide, where he studied under noted parapsychologist Michael Thalbourne. He has authored and edited influential works including Hauntings and Poltergeists: Multidisciplinary Perspectives, the first comprehensive textbook on haunt phenomena, and Ghosted! Exploring the Haunting Reality of Paranormal Encounters. His research has appeared in numerous peer-reviewed journals and has been featured in major media and documentary programs. Currently Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Scientific Exploration, Dr. Houran is known for his rigorous methodological approach and commitment to open scientific inquiry into extraordinary human experiences. His work bridges psychological science and anomalistics, offering balanced, evidence-based perspectives on topics often misunderstood or marginalized.