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. 2021 Jun;55(2):318-328.
doi: 10.1007/s12124-020-09594-5. Epub 2021 Jan 19.

On the Adaptive Value of Paranormal Beliefs - a Qualitative Study

Tilmann Betsch  1   2 , Paul Jäckel  3 , Mareike Hammes  4 , Babette Julia Brinkmann  4
Affiliations

On the Adaptive Value of Paranormal Beliefs - a Qualitative Study

Tilmann Betsch et al. Integr Psychol Behav Sci. 2021 Jun.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Adaptation; Mastery; Meaning; Paranormality; Self.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this article.

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