PSICOLOGY REPORT


Moon Phases and Crisis Calls: A Spurious Relationship

Susan D. DeVoge
James K. Mikawa
University of Nevada, Reno

Abstract

The relationship between phases of the moon and emergency calls to a 24-hr. telephone crisis intervention service was investigated. The frequency and types of calls were compared for the dates of the lunar cycle over a 2-yr. period (1972–1973). The total calls, crisis calls, and suicide-threat calls were analyzed. Although the total calls and suicide-threat calls reached statistical significance, the findings failed to support the lunar theory. From an examination of the mixed results of prior research and the present study, the relationship between moon phases and emotional disturbance can best be described as spurious in nature.
Accepted December 9, 1976.

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Source:2014 Journal Citation Reports® (Thomson Reuters, 2015)
http://prx.sagepub.com/content/40/2/387.abstract