Where did the following theory originate ...?

[Nadja]

"Ghosts feed on negative energy so they grow stronger the more you are in fear."

I`ve seen this assumption in the movie "paranormal activity" (where arguably it concerned a demon) and some fictional books. However I have no idea where it came from first. Is there any expert who has written about this topic or is it a pure invention?

[ghostgeek]

Hi Nadja,

Good question. I'm not sure where the theory originated, but I've heard it as well - that negative energy feeds off of negative energy.

I guess I would equate it with a performer on stage. If the audience is really into a performance, the performer feels a sense of euphoria wash over them and it in turn fuels their performance.

In the instance of a negative spirit, I guess it might stand to reason that if you're scared and frightened, a negative entity might "feed" off that fear and be further empowered.

Just my $.02 Anyone else know where this theory originated?
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[KimD]

My personal $.02 (i just realized keyboards don't have a cents sign mmm...) is that energy is energy and for spirits to manifest to those of us without psychic ability it needs energy whether that comes from the enviornment producing cold spots from removing the heat energy, or manipulating EMF fields, or drawing from a person's energy. I would think that in terms of energy fear and anger would be some of the strongest in terms of which emotions give off the most.

[Aes]

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(With your number lock on the keypad: Hold the 'Alt' key and type 0162 on the keypad.)

...but that wasn't the point of the post.

I would assume that this is one of those 'Hypothesis from Observation' situations - it appears that many personal experiences that we hear about focus on how the activity became worse over time, as the victim slowly became more and more afraid. Because it is such a useful plot device for movies and books, I believe that pop culture is somewhat to blame for it being so common accepted. (What kind of crappy book would begin with the main character having his soul eaten by a demon?)
_________________
-Stephen
Fly By Night Paranormal Investigations, Iowa/Nebraska
www.fbnparanormal.com

[PhenomInvestigator]

Thinking back to the early "New Age" in the late '60s and early '70s is when I first recall hearing the notion of 'negative energy'. It does exist in early Spiritualist references from the 19th century, however the notion of 'energy' is a rather newer concept in the popular mind. It's very unclear that there is anything to the notion but that is, I think, the earliest mention.