- The idea that the moon's lunar cycles affect human behavior and mood has been documented for a long time. In fact, the term lunacy is derived specifically from the widely believed phenomenon that a full moon can increase criminal behavior. A great deal of scientific research has been conducted about the idea that phases of the moon affect criminal behavior. However, the vast majority of these studies seem to disprove the idea that a full moon affects our mood.
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A handful of experiments have found favorable results that seem to lay credence to the lunar effect. One such study published in 2000 in the Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Service concluded that schizophrenics exhibit a reduction in mental well-being during a full moon. This study, however, was based on a small pool of participants, and may be subject to error.
Some experts have hypothesized that the strengthened gravitational pull of the moon during a full moon causes the cavity between the Earth and the ionosphere to ring in tune with our alpha brain waves. However, no studies yet have found a correlation between this potential effect and increased criminal behavior. - The vast majority of the scientific community has dismissed the moon effect as myth or folklore. Between 1979 and 1987, four independent studies reviewed incoming crisis 911 calls to look for peaks or valleys related to lunar cycles. In all the studies, no statistical significance was found between moon cycles and criminal activity. These studies were extensive, comparing crisis calls over a period of two to five years. Additionally, noncriminal-related studies into the moon's effect on mood and behavior generally have found no correlation either.
