Recent findings have shown the complex interaction of mind and body. A shout of 'Fire' in a theatre will produce hormonal and behavioural changes in members of the audience. They will experience a rush of adrenalin as they scramble from their seats. Testosterone levels in spectators at a football match are known to be depleted or increased depending on whether the supported team has won or lost. Cortisol levels are increased in a toddler whose mother has unexpectedly left the room.
Adolescents watch horror films for their physical effects rather than intellectual content.
And involuntary ideas can pop into our minds to cause similar bodily experiences. In the programme itself, I heard no mention that 'the mind' can have a profound effect on hormone levels in the body, or indeed that the psychological can be 'real'. Testament was frequently followed by testimonial as stories which began with a litany of symptoms were brought to conclusion by a miracle cure. At one point a man phoned in to advocate the healing properties of the written word. He had all the symptoms and felt seriously ill.