I only knew of it from RPG's, first, notably of course from PS... then later in Final Fantasy. I'd never heard the term used anywhere else, until the other night. I was watching an episode of Star Trek, the original series called "Where No Man Has Gone Before" The term didn't just pop up once or twice. The entire episode was based on the ability, and depicted what could happen if these powers fell into the hands of people that were still infants in terms of emotional development. Pretty interesting episode.
So then I decided to look into the entomology of the term. I believe I recall seeing it went back to the early 50's, maybe even 1950, though I don't recall where. That's a mission you can choose to go on yourself, if this interests you. Just thought I would share.