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On the Adaptive Value of Paranormal Beliefs - a Qualitative Study
[journal article]
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 th... view more
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.... view less
Keywords
ALLBUS; adaptation; attitude; esotericism; self-image; spirituality; interview; qualitative method
Classification
Social Psychology
Free Keywords
Allgemeine Bevölkerungsumfrage der Sozialwissenschaften ALLBUS 2012 (ZA4614 v1.1.1); paranormality; mastery; self; meaning
Document language
English
Publication Year
2021
Page/Pages
p. 318-328
Journal
Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science, 55 (2021) 2
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12124-020-09594-5
ISSN
1936-3567
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed