1. Paranormal Experiences are Predictive of Poorer Mental Health
Alisa M. Huskey, Kelly C. Jent, & Caleb W. Lack
University of Central Oklahoma
Results
Consistent with prior research, the paranormal experience measure was related to:
Religiosity (r = .154, p < .001)
Age and biological sex were not related to paranormal experiences.
Next, the predictive nature of paranormal experiences variables (AEI) were explored using a multiple hierarchical regression with the BHSM score as the criterion.
On Step one, religiosity was entered as a covariate to control for it’s influence. These controls accounted for 3% of variance in mental health, adjusted R2 = .032, F(3, 646) = 7.011, p < .001.
Secondly, the AEI paranormal experiences subscale was entered as a predictor, revealing that increased report of paranormal experiences predicted more mental-health problems, R2 change = .216, F(1, 645) = 53.09, p < .001.
Paranormal ability was entered in the third step, and also increased mental-health problems, R2 change = .008, F(1, 644) = p < .001.
On step four, the use of drugs and alcohol was entered and reliably predicted poorer mental health, R2 change = .007, F(1, 643) = 38.35, p < .001.
Finally, the fear of the paranormal subscale showed a negative relationship between the fear of the paranormal and mental health problems, R2 change = .006, change in F(1, 543) = 33.89, p = .001.
The overall model was significant, adjusted R2 = .262, F(7, 642) = 33.89, p = .001.
Finally, a logistic regression was used to examine how mental health levels predict group membership between skeptics and paranormal believers. Scores of participants who fell in or below the 25th percentile, and in or above the 75th percentile on the PBS-R were used to create these groups
The relation between these variables was significant, X² (1, N = 318) = 33.91, p <.001.
Prediction success overall was 63.5% (57.3% for low-skepticism and 69.6% for high-skepticism).
Abstract
This study empirically examined the relationship between different aspects of belief in the paranormal and overall mental health. Results found that higher levels of paranormal beliefs were strongly predictive of worse mental health in general, even when controlling for biological sex and religiosity.
Method
Participants
In order to examine these hypotheses, questionnaire data was gathered from a group of 649 undergraduate students at a mid-size metropolitan university in the United States.
GENDER–69% female
AGE–range 17-66
M = 20.18, SD = 4.48
Measures
Each participant completed the same packet of survey questionnaires, which began by asking about demographic data. They then answered questions on:
Religious belief (Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire)
Paranormal belief and experience (Paranormal Belief Scale – Revised and Anomalous Experience Inventory)
Overall mental health (Behavioral Health Screening Measure)
Procedure
Students participated to obtain part of their required course credit. All students completed questionnaires via an online interface using Qualtrics. Low versus high skepticism groups were created for analysis. These were created by dichotomizing groups between individuals scoring in the 75th percentile or above (low skepticism) on the Paranormal Belief Scale-Revised and in the 25th percentile or below (high skepticism), leaving 322 cases for analysis.
Introduction
This study empirically examined the relationship between different aspects of belief in the paranormal, including paranormal experiences, and overall mental health. There is disagreement in the literature over this relationship (Dag, 1997; Peltzer, 2002; Schumaker, 1987), although few have examined specific aspects of belief and paranormal experience in associations with mental health (Schofield & Claridge, 2007). Research tends to suggest an inverse relationship between mental health and belief in the paranormal.
It is predicted that lower levels of mental health would be associated with increased paranormal experiences for our sample.
Discussion
Data indicate that increased paranormal experiences, ability, and fear thereof, including drug-related experiences, reliably predict mental health problems, even when controlling for religiosity. The total model accounted for approximately 27% of the variance, with self-reported paranormal experiences being the most predictive of mental health issues. These findings contradict Shumaker (1987) who suggested that paranormal beliefs are self-serving cognitive biases that maintain mental health.
Demographic variables, specifically age and biological sex, did not have a significant impact on the outcome of these data. The population was a relatively homogenous group, and likely did not have enough variance for us to examine any differences.
Please address correspondence regarding this poster to: Caleb W. Lack, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, 307F Education Bldg, Edmond, OK or and
This project was supported by the UCO College of Education & Professional Studies, the UCO Department of Psychology, and the UCO Office of Academic Affairs.