On the Adaptive Value of Paranormal Beliefs - a Qualitative Study

Dados Bibliográficos

ID6071776
AutoresTilmann Betsch (0000-0002-5506-6723, University of Erfurt, autor correspondente), Paul Jäckel (University of Erfurt), Mareike Hammes (TH Köln - University of Applied Sciences), Babette Julia Brinkmann, Babette Brinkmann (0000-0002-7051-3421, TH Köln - University of Applied Sciences)
Ano2021
Volume55
Fascículo2
Páginas318-328
Data de publicação2021-06-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoIntegrative Psychological and Behavioral Science (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1932-4502 • E-ISSN: 1936-3567
EditoraSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1007/s12124-020-09594-5
PMID33464467
OpenAlexW3125255236
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas3
Referências citadas38

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

Alternative medicine · Categorization · Epistemology · Face (sociological concept · Narrative · Paranormal · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Value (mathematics · Computer Science · Death Anxiety and Social Exclusion · Medicine · Paranormal Experiences and Beliefs · Philosophy · Psychology · Religious Studies and Spiritual Practices · Social Psychology