Andrew Denovan, Ken Drinking Water and Neil Dagnall: According to academic studies, paranormal beliefs create a sense of control, predictability and comfort in uncertain times. That does not explain why some people find them more attractive than others, although recent studies start explaining why some people are so attracted to the paranormal.
Paranormal beliefs are beliefs in notions that go beyond regular science, such as spirits or psychological skills. Surveys show that a large number of people in the US and the UK intersection contains about a third and 50%these beliefs.
Our recent study showed that people who feel powerless or insecure, rather in supernatural beliefs. This is probably due to the way our brains process uncertainty. When we are confronted with events that we cannot control, our minds look for patterns and explanations.
Paranormal beliefs create structured stories that make random events seem intentional. For example, astrology connects planetary movements with personal experiences, giving believers a way to understand their lives. People put their confidence in conspiracy theories for similar reasons.
An important reason why people turn to paranormal beliefs is to deal with fear of life. Realizing that life is unpredictable and an end can be disturbing. Supernatural beliefs offer comfort by suggesting that a higher power controls the human destination.
This perception gives life a sense of goal and meaning. Stories about spirits and communication with the dead help people feel connected to lost loved ones. In this way, supernatural thinking helps people to deal with fears about the unknown.
Believing in paranormal can offer comfort for some, but it cannot be useful in some situations. For example, a deep belief in supernatural powers can have someone to blame his problems with supernatural forces rather than looking for practical ways to tackle them.
Our recent research has indeed established that belief in external supernatural forces that exercise control, such as gods or destiny, is associated with need. This kind of faith reflects a lack of personal control.
Conversely, our recent study showed that belief in paranormal phenomena focused on personal spirituality, such as astrology or manifestation, is not associated with stress. This seems to be because this kind of faith emphasizes personal control and meaning.
Paranormal beliefs are also influenced by mental shortcuts that form the perception of the world. Pattern recognition is a good example in which people see connections in random events. This explains why people see faces in clouds or someone thinks a series of bad events means that they are cursed.
Another common bias is when people believe that they can influence things that are outside their control. Often indicated as the illusion of control, a study from 2024 showed that this bias also applies to health, such as believing in false medical treatments or treatments. The researchers discovered that illusory health beliefs correlated positively with a belief in pseudoscience and negative with skepticism.
Cultural and social influences
Culture and society can strengthen paranormal beliefs. The way in which the media represent supernatural events influences how people see them. Horror films and TV programs often portray supernatural beings that interact with the real world.
Social media further strengthens these ideas, with people who share personal stories, videos and experiences online. These shared messages can strengthen beliefs in the paranormal.
When people are surrounded by others who believe in supernatural, they see these ideas as true. Social standards form these beliefs by set expectations about what is considered acceptable or real within a culture. If a society accepts paranormal ideas on a large scale, people have more likely to adopt and strengthen them.
Insight into the role of paranormal beliefs can help researchers create a balanced view of the people who subscribe to that. Instead of rejecting such beliefs, it is important to recognize their emotional and personal meaning.
In particular how beliefs are the perspectives and coping mechanisms of people. Although they may not match logic or evidence, the comfort that they afford themselves is deeply meaningful for those who hold them.
A 2024 study showed that paranormal beliefs were not necessarily associated with negative well -being and were connected to a sense of meaning in life.
Research has shown that teaching critical thinking and scientific literacy can help people tell the difference between useful spiritual practices and harmful misunderstandings. Encouraging skepticism and rational thinking enables people to deal with the world in a way that balances hope with reason.
Paranormal beliefs continue to exist because they meet deep psychological needs. Understanding why people in supernatural beliefs can lead to more compassionate discussions and help them find better ways to deal with uncertainty. Whether someone believes or not, the need for stability and comfort is something that all people share.
Andrew Denovan, Senior Psychology teacher, Liverpool John Moores University; Ken Drinking Water, senior teacher and researcher in cognitive and parapsychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Neil Dagnall, professor in Applied Cognitive Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University University
This article has been re -published from The conversation Under a Creative Commons license. Read the Original article.
