The 2004 Pencil Spirit Incident in Beijing began with a seemingly harmless spirit game played by middle school students but ended in tragedy when a girl was killed in what appeared to be a ritualistic act linked to the game. Psychiatrist Dr. Zhang, treating one of the traumatized participants, uncovered that the so-called supernatural phenomena were caused by the ideomotor effect—a psychological and physiological phenomenon of unconscious muscle movements. The incident highlighted how vulnerable young people, struggling with family issues and emotional distress, can be drawn to superstition, leading to devastating outcomes. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health support, family love, and education to combat harmful beliefs and fears.
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