2023 Vol. 87(2) 151-167
Editor:
John G. Kruth
Copyright:
Parapsychology Press
Citation
Zemel, S. K., and Wahbeh, H. (2023). Article. Ethical Readiness and Professionalization Among Mediums and Channelers in the United States. Journal of Parapsychology, 87(2), 151-167. http://doi.org/10.30891/jopar.2023.02.04
Article
Ethical Readiness and Professionalization Among Mediums and Channelers in the United States
Siri K. Zemel and Helané Wahbeh
The study’s research objective was to assess readiness for formalized structure within the US mediumship/channeling field. The specific aims were to: identify beliefs and practices related to research, education, and training within the field; and identify beliefs related to ethical standards and scope of practice. A cross-sectional, quantitative, and qualitative survey captured demographics and beliefs from nearly 150 mediums/channelers. Most respondents were middle-aged, white, college-educated females with strong group beliefs around the importance of research, education, and training; ethical standards and scope of practice guidelines; and a more structured professional field. This study provides a glimpse into who mediums channelers are, what they believe about their occupation, their responsiveness to the development of ethical standards, and related foundations required to advance towards professionalization.
Keywords:
Mediumship, channeling, ethical standards, de-stigmatization, professionalization