Overview

• 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.