In a recent research study, it was found that feelings of distress and a decreased ability to handle stress are linked to traditional paranormal beliefs, but not to new age philosophies. This research, conducted by Kenneth Drinkwater, Ph.D., from Manchester Metropolitan University in the U.K., was published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on November 13, 2024.
Earlier studies indicated that while paranormal beliefs, as a whole, are not generally associated with poor psychological health, specific aspects, like superstition, might make individuals more vulnerable to stress. However, much of this past research depended on a questionnaire called the Revised Paranormal Belief Scale, which has certain statistical limitations affecting its reliability.
A newer version, the Rasch purified Revised Paranormal Belief Scale, seeks to address these shortcomings. To better understand the possible connections between paranormal beliefs and stress, Drinkwater and his team had 3,084 participants complete this new scale along with a survey assessing various aspects of perceived stress.
A standout feature of the Rasch purified Revised Paranormal Belief Scale is its ability to separate beliefs into two categories: traditional paranormal beliefs—which involve cultural aspects of traditional religious beliefs and witchcraft—and new age philosophies, which encompass individual paranormal skills such as psi, spiritualism, and precognition.
Analysis of the participants’ answers showed that those with higher scores in traditional paranormal beliefs experienced more distress and felt less capable of managing stress. Interestingly, beliefs in new age philosophies did not show any significant correlation with distress or stress coping.
These results align with the idea that traditional paranormal beliefs might indicate anxiety stemming from a perceived lack of control over external forces affecting one’s life. Nonetheless, the researchers caution that this study is exploratory and does not establish a cause-and-effect relationship.
Further studies are necessary to clarify the intricate relationship between paranormal beliefs and stress. The researchers underscore the importance of this inquiry, as beliefs in the paranormal can affect individuals’ daily behaviors and attitudes, particularly concerning topics like alternative medicine, vaccinations, and conspiracy theories.
The authors conclude: “These results support the idea that traditional paranormal beliefs relate to a sense of external control, specifically the belief that unknown supernatural forces influence our lives. However, more extensive research is required to delve deeper into these intriguing relationships concerning perceived stress, well-being, and coping mechanisms.”