On the Adaptive Value of Paranormal Beliefs - a Qualitative Study

Ten female and five male participants (age range 28–50 years) were recruited at esoteric fairs or via esoteric chatrooms. In a guided face-to-face interview, they reported origins and contents of their beliefs in e.g. esoteric practices, supernatural beings, rebirthing, channeling. Transcripts of th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Integrative physiological and behavioral science 2021-06, Vol.55 (2), p.318-328
Main Authors: Betsch, Tilmann, Jäckel, Paul, Hammes, Mareike, Brinkmann, Babette Julia
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Anthropology
Behavioral Science and Psychology
Brief Communication
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Parapsychology
Psychology
Qualitative Research
Sociology
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Summary:Ten female and five male participants (age range 28–50 years) were recruited at esoteric fairs or via esoteric chatrooms. In a guided face-to-face interview, they reported origins and contents of their beliefs in e.g. esoteric practices, supernatural beings, rebirthing, channeling. Transcripts of the tape-recorded reports were subjected to a qualitative analysis. Exhaustive categorization of the narratives’ content revealed that paranormal beliefs were functional with regard to two fundamental motives – striving for mastery and valuing me and mine (striving for a positive evaluation of the self). Moreover, paranormal beliefs paved the way for goal-setting and leading a meaningful life but, on the negative side, could also result in social exclusion. Results are discussed with reference to the adaptive value of paranormal beliefs.
ISSN:1932-4502
1936-3567
DOI:10.1007/s12124-020-09594-5