Paranormal beliefs associated with coping less well

Individuals who tend to believe in spiritual apparitions, UFOs and other paranormal happenings are more susceptible to stress and less good at coping, according to research.

On the other hand, people who adhere to New Age paranormal spirituality (i.e., a perspective blending metaphysical traditions, which emphasizes personal growth, holistic healing, and interconnectedness of all life) do not demonstrate similar impacts on their wellbeing.

It is typically estimated that around 50% of the population say they have had some form of paranormal experience.

Psychologists from Liverpool John Moores University and Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) wanted to see if there were differences in two types of belief in the paranormal – that’s to say beyond the scope of science.

Their study of more than 3,000 people found a difference between the outlooks of those with traditional paranormal beliefs and those who held New Age philosophies.

Dr Andrew Denovan, of the School of Psychology at LJMU, said: “The study highlights the psychological impacts of external control perceptions in traditional beliefs. Specifically, traditional beliefs likely reflect a reduced perception of control over external factors, which can increase susceptibility to stress. Conversely, new age beliefs, due to a focus on more individual issues, do not appear to contribute to these dynamics.”

Traditional Paranormal Belief (TPB) is linked to cultural and social notions that attribute control to external supernatural forces, such as spirits or fate, often offering comfort in situations of collective uncertainty. New Age Philosophy (NAP), on the other hand, emphasises individual and spiritual approaches, such as meditation and positive energy, suggesting that control lies within individuals themselves.

With the support of the BIAL Foundation, the research team led by Dr Denovan and Professor Neil Dagnall at MMU carried out a study based on statistical modelling, involving a sample of 3084 participants aged over 18 and living in the UK, to assess how TPB and NAP are associated with stress as an indicator of well-being.

The results were revealed in the article ”Re-evaluation of the relationship between paranormal belief and perceived stress using statistical modelling", published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE.

The research is also showcased on the BIAL Foundation’s website.