PATTERNS IN THE BIZARRE - COMMON THEMES IN SATANIC RITUAL ABUSE, SEXUAL MASOCHISM, UFO ABDUCTIONS, FACTITIOUS ILLNESS, AND EXTREME LOVE

We discuss common themes in these studies of satanic ritual abuse, sex ual masochism, abduction by extraterrestrial beings, factitious illnes s patterns, and extreme love experiences. The paradox of voluntarily c onstructing oneself in a victim's role, including humiliation, helples sness, and suffering, is central to all five. People seem to do this i n order to transcend and transform their identities and, in particular , to cultivate relationships with powerful, often desirable others (in cluding therapists). Although self-esteem is lost in terms of the old identity, it can be gained within the context of the new identity.