A study involving 3084 participants aimed to investigate whether two distinct types of paranormal beliefs were linked to varying levels of perceived stress. The findings indicated that Traditional Paranormal Belief (TPB) was significantly associated with higher distress and increased susceptibility to stress, while New Age Philosophy (NAP) did not contribute to these dynamics.
Research into paranormal beliefs is important because these are prevalent in society and can influence behavior and attitudes, such as a greater distrust of science and adherence to pseudoscientific ideas. Historically associated with maladaptive psychological processes, recent studies suggest that paranormal beliefs do not compromise overall psychological well-being unless compounded by factors like high transliminality (increased sensitivity to stimuli) or psychopathological traits such as schizotypy and manic-depressive tendencies.
However, during stressful times, beliefs in the paranormal can serve as forms of illusory coping, offering a sense of control but often promoting avoidance strategies that impair psychological functioning. This inconsistency in research raises questions about how different types of paranormal beliefs impact well-being based on cultural, social, or individual foundations.
Traditional Paranormal Belief (TPB) is associated with cultural and social notions attributing control to external supernatural forces such as spirits or fate, often providing comfort during collective uncertainty. New Age Philosophy (NAP), conversely, emphasizes individual and spiritual approaches like meditation and positive energy, suggesting that control lies within individuals themselves. These differing impacts on well-being have not yet been thoroughly studied.
With the support of the BIAL Foundation, a research team led by Neil Dagnall from Manchester Metropolitan University, UK, and Andrew Denovan from Liverpool John Moores University, UK conducted a study using statistical modeling with 3084 participants over 18 living in the UK. They assessed whether TPB and NAP are differentially associated with perceived stress.
The results of their research were published in “Re-evaluation of the relationship between paranormal belief and perceived stress using statistical modelling” in PLOS ONE. The article highlighted that TPB was significantly linked to higher levels of distress and lower coping capacity, whereas NAP showed no predictive association.
Neil Dagnall explained these results as indicating that TPB may reflect a reduced perception of control over external factors, which can increase susceptibility to stress. In contrast, NAP’s focus on individual issues does not appear to contribute to these dynamics. Thus, understanding the functional differences between these beliefs is essential for addressing their psychological impact.
The researchers also noted that TPB is not causally related to distress but rather represents a nuanced relationship where reduced control may sometimes associate positively with TPB, serving as an adaptive function such as facilitating coping in specific contexts.
