Why have vampires become such a feature of modern culture? Can vampire-like conditions be explained by medical research? Is there a connection between vampirism and Freud? The Psychology of Vampires presents a captivating look at the origins of vampires in myth and history, and the psychological theories which try to explain why they fascinate us. It traces the development of vampires from the first ever vampire tale, written by John Polidori in 1819, to their modern cultural legacy. Together with historical detail about Polidori’s eventful life, the book also examines the characteristics of vampires, and explores how and why people might identify as vampires today. From sanguinarians who drink blood, to psychic vampires who suck the energy from those around them, The Psychology of Vampires explores the absorbing connections between vampirism and psychology, theology, medicine and culture.

· Are any vampire myths based on fact? · Bloodsucking villain to guilt-ridden loner—what has inspired the redemption of the vampire in fiction and film? · What is Vampire Personality Disorder? What causes a physical addiction to another person’s blood? · Are there any boundaries in the polysexual world of vampires? · How could a vampire hide in today’s world of advanced forensic science? · What is the psychopathology of the vampire? · What happens in the brain of a vampire’s victim? Si...

Tales of the dead feasting on blood and shape-shifting humans prowling around in animal form have been a part of the folklore of human beings for untold generations and all over the world. Vampires and werewolves are universal themes in horror lore. And our fascination with these creatures of the darkness has continued into a twenty-first-century world of space travel, computer technology, and advanced medical science. What is it about these beings that so inspire our fear and our loathing, our desire and our delight? Is there a place deep in our psychological makeup where the dead do not rest and wild beasts howl at the moon? The insights of modern science may help us understand our relationship with those things that both frighten and attract us, and perhaps tame the monsters inside us.

Vampires are not just imaginary creatures of fiction or legend—they really exist. They are the people who, having never received love, settle for power instead, and become experts at robbing others of their vital energy. We've all known them. In her fascinating study of this dark psychological archetype, Barbara Hort looks to traditional myths as well as to their modern equivalents in literature, theater, and film, following a blood-soaked trail to such unexpected destinations as The Silence of the Lambs, "Snow White," and the Broadway musical Gypsy. She offers insight into how psychic vampires originate, how we allow ourselves to be caught in their clutches, and how we can protect ourselves from their seductive influence.

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The mind can be a perilous place... Even for the undead...How does a centuries old vampire negotiate the modern world? How can it overcome a world of science and scepticism where swirling cloaks and swooping bats are unlikely to impress, let alone frighten? Psychology is the one-stop shop for everyone from managers of sports teams, to victims of crime and even film-makers. So what better person for a vampire trying to connect with the modern age to seek out than a psychologist; a psychologist such as James Travers...And how to tell the tale of the encounter? Letters and diaries have given way to the laptop and the internet, so it is in the form of a blog while waiting for his release from St Mary's mental health unit that one-time psychologist Jamie Travers relates his story.

· Are any vampire myths based on fact? · Bloodsucking villain to guilt-ridden loner—what has inspired the redemption of the vampire in fiction and film? · What is Vampire Personality Disorder? What causes a physical addiction to another person’s blood? · Are there any boundaries in the polysexual world of vampires? · How could a vampire hide in today’s world of advanced forensic science? · What is the psychopathology of the vampire? · What happens in the brain of a vampire’s victim? Si...

"Drawing from social theory and the anthropology of religion this book explores popular media's fascination with dreams, pagan gods and goddesses, vampires, and spirits. The book does so in the light of anthropological studies of societies in which other than human persons are not merely a source of entertainment, but a lived social reality. Films and programs explored include Buffy the Vampire Slayer, True Blood, Twin Peaks, Star Trek and the films of Hitchcock. Louise Child draws attention to how they both depict and challenge ideas and practices rooted in psychology, while quality television has also facilitated a wave of programming that can explore the interaction of characters in complex social worlds over time. As well as drawing on theories of film from Freudian psychology and feminist theory, Dreams, Vampires and Ghosts also uses approaches derived from a combination of Jungian film studies and anthropology that offer fresh insights for exploring film and television. This book draws attention to explicit and subtle ways in which cinematic narratives engage with myth and religion while at the same time exploring collective dimensions to social and personal life. It advances new developments in genre studies and gender as well as contributing to the growing field of implicit religion using in depth analyses of communicative dreaming, the shadow, and mystical lovers in film and television."--

You've read the books. You've seen the films. Now get inside the heads of your favorite Twilight characters (just like Edward can!) in The Psychology of Twilight. Explore the minds and motives of Bella, Edward, Jacob, and more with a deeper look at the series that's captured the hearts—and psyches—of millions. Find out: • How Edward and Jacob match up in an evolutionary psychology smackdown for Bella's—and our—affection • Whether Bella's motorcycle-riding and cliff diving in New Moon are suicidal—or her salvation • Why vampires and werewolves aren't so different after all (at least psychologically) • The emotional appeal of love stories like Bella and Edward's • Why being a part of Twilight fandom is good for your psychological health Snuggle up on the closest chaise, and get ready to revisit the Twilight Saga—with some professional help.

Since ancient times, Vampire legends have had a powerful hold on the human imagination. This fascination continues today with the popularity of Bram Stokers Dracula, New vampire books and movies, and pop cultural phenomena. Daniel Rhodes and Kathleen Rhodes, D.N.Sc. believe that very real vampires are stalking their prey from the shadows – not the mythical bloodsuckers of folklore fame, but emotional vampires who deliberately drain others psychologically. Emotional Vampires are individuals we deal with in daily life who leave us feeling abnormally angry, confused, upset, or fatigued. These manipulative psychological leeches may be total strangers or our best friends, co-workers, or family members. By controlling situations and people for their own purposes, they prey upon their victims with deliberate aim of stealing emotional energy – just like mythical vampires. Many of these predators know exactly how much frustration, anger and anxiety they inflict, while others carry on virtually unaware of the damage they cause, and victims are many times unaware that they are being bled. These Vampire attacks may be one-time interactions, or they could go on for years. They can range from just being emotionally troublesome to threatening careers, mental health, and even the lives of their victims. Often, emotional vampires use a clever set of techniques: •Task – blocking: Have you ever worked on an important project with a co-worker who prevents you from finishing the task and then blames you? •Turnaround: Have you ever complained about a poor product or service only to have a clerk rudely abuse you? •Vectors: Have you ever felt fear from being tailgated or cut off by another driver, or anger at a difficult neighbor who seems to enjoy disturbing your pace with his barking dog or loud stereo? •The vampire signature: After having a run-in with one of these predators, has he or she shown you by a smirk or a smart remark that you’ve been had. Illustrated fascinating personal stories from victims, this insightful work identifies and classifies emotional predators, exposes the methods they use, describes the collective “vampirism” of groups, and offers ways to combat the effects of an emotional attack.