Poltergeists are one of the toughest types of haunting to get a good understanding of. I would go so far as to say they are probably the least understood type of haunts. However, I'm almost hesitant to call them "haunts." Some people say a poltergeist is a spirit, some say it's uncontrolled psychokinesis, some say it's a combination of the two.

Personally, I'm undecided.

Characteristics

Poltergeist activity is generally has a much greater effect on the physical environment than activity in residual or intelligent human hauntings. One of the biggest indicators of poltergeist activity is object movement. Beds shake and levitate, items disappear only to reappear later either in a place you've already searched.

Rare instances of poltergeist activity involve water. Cases have been reported in which water ran from the walls, ceiling, furniture, glasses, etc. When the dwellings were inspected, no damaged or leaky plumbing could be blamed.

Usually the activity seems to center on on one person, called the "agent." Typically the agent is a teenage girl, but it can be anyone going through some kind of emotional turmoil. The activity can move with the agent. This is where the theory comes in that poltergeists are not spirits, but rather an outward manifestation of the agent's internal stress and emotion. They subconsciously manipulate the energy around them or focus their emotion so as to bring about the poltergeist. The activity can start and stop without notice.

In my opinion, this kind of backs up the idea that it's somehow telekinetic rather than an actual entity causing havoc. Of course, to assume that, you have to also believe that people can move objects with their minds. I've never seen it happen. I'm not saying the ability doesn't exist, but it's certainly hard to prove. In this type of situation, it would be prudent for the agent to seek medical or psychiatric advice. The sooner they can get their emotions under control, the sooner the activity will cease.

According to Jason Hawes of The Atlantic Paranormal Society and Syfy's "Ghost Hunters," when there's no teenager manifesting the activity, chances are there are several spirits at work in the area. Hawes says the spirits appear to pool their energy "to become strong enough to move larger objects and make more noises." The key to getting rid of these spirits is to find out the source of their anger so they can then "pass over," according to Hawes.

History

Many similarities can be found between demonic and poltergeist activity: foul smells, levitating people and objects, odd sounds, injury to people involved, even fire. So it stands to reason that for hundreds of years, poltergeist activity was often attributed to demons, witches, or the Devil.

Reports of poltergeist activity can be traced back to ancient Rome. Roman writer Titus Livius describes a shower of stones scaring the Roman army in his work "Ab Urbe Condita." More recent famous poltergeist cases include the Drummer of Tedworth (1661), the Bell Witch (1817), the Borley Recotory poltergeist (1863), and the Enfield poltergeist (1977). As you can see, poltergeist activity is fairly prevalent throughout history. But is it spirit activity or telekenesis? Or is it all overactive imagination and hoaxes?

There are reports out there of poltergeist fraud. One famous case of suspected fraud is that of Tina Resch in 1984. News media flocked to cover the activity at the 14-year-old's home. However, a camera accidentally left on by a TV crew showed Tina knocking over a lamp; the event had been blamed on the poltergeist. Tina then claimed she had done it to get reporters to go away. But the event damaged the case's credibility.

So what do you think: Hoaxes? Angry spirits? Psychokinesis? A little of each? I'd be interested to hear your theories. Many of the proposed explanations have merit. But I think all of them could use just a bit more scientific backing.

Poltergeists through history

Article on psychokinesis

The Atlantic Paranormal Society

Tina Resch's case and adult life