Study Links Traditional Paranormal Beliefs to Increased Stress

New research suggests that belief in traditional paranormal phenomena correlates with higher stress levels, while new age beliefs do not show the same effect.

• Researchers from Manchester Metropolitan University found that traditional paranormal beliefs are associated with higher distress and reduced coping abilities.
• The study used the Rasch purified Revised Paranormal Belief Scale to differentiate between traditional beliefs and new age philosophies.
• Traditional paranormal beliefs, such as witchcraft, are linked to feelings of external control by unknown supernatural forces.
• Participants who held new age beliefs, like spiritualism and precognition, did not report increased stress or difficulty coping.
• The findings suggest a potential influence of traditional paranormal beliefs on behaviors and attitudes towards science and health practices.

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