Paranormal Belief, Thinking Style and Delusion Formation: A Latent Profile Analysis of Within-Individual Variations in Experience-Based Paranormal Facets

Abstract

This study examined the degree to which within-individual variations in paranormal experience were related to belief in the paranormal, preferential thinking style, and delusion formation. A sample of 956 non-clinical adults completed measures assessing experience-based paranormal indices (i.e., paranormal experience, paranormal practitioner visiting, and paranormal ability), paranormal belief, belief in science, proneness to reality testing deficits, and emotion-based reasoning. Latent profile analysis (LPA) combined the experience-based indices to produce six underlying groups. Inter-class comparison via multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) indicated that both breadth and intensity of experiential factors were associated with higher belief in in the paranormal, increased proneness to reality testing deficits, and greater emotion-based reasoning. Belief in science, however, was less susceptible to experiential variations. Further analysis of reality testing subscales revealed that experiential profiles influenced levels of intrapsychic activity in subtle and intricate ways, especially those indexing Auditory and Visual Hallucinations and Delusional Thinking. Collectively, identification of profiles and inter-class comparisons provided a sophisticated understanding of the relative contribution of experiential factors to differences in paranormal belief, belief in science, proneness to reality testing deficits, and emotion-based reasoning.

Paranormal Experience Profiles and Their Association With Variations in Executive Functions: A Latent Profile Analysis

“… Drinkwater et al (2021b) found that greater personal involvement with the paranormal (i.e., experience, visiting practitioners and self-professed ability) was associated with increased proneness to reality testing deficits, greater emotion-based reasoning, and higher paranormal belief. These results deepened conceptual understanding by demonstrating that nuanced variations in paranormal experience were related to subtle differences in cognitive-perceptual factors allied to subclinical delusion formation and thinking style.…”

“…Respondents indicated whether they had visited each practitioner type using a dichotomous format (yes vs. no). This scale has demonstrated satisfactory internal reliability (Drinkwater et al, 2021b). Scores thus ranged from 0 to 4, with higher scores indicating greater interaction with paranormal practitioners.…”

“…For instance, "To what extent (in percentage terms, 0-100) do you believe that you possess psychic abilities?" This method has excellent internal consistency (Drinkwater et al, 2021b). A further item asked whether respondents were paranormal practitioners (yes vs. no).…”

“…Extending previous research on cognitive-perceptual personality factors ( Drinkwater et al, 2021a , b ), this paper conducted an exploratory investigation to determine whether differences in the breadth and intensity of paranormal experiences were associated with variations in neuropsychological measures related to self-reported executive functions (i.e., memory and decision making). In addition, the ability to control or regulate emotional responses was assessed.…”

Executive Functioning: Assessing the Role of Perceived Paranormal Ability

“…Noting these factors, Drinkwater et al (2021a , b) used self-professed paranormal ability as an index of experience. Although researchers have under investigated the role of facility, measurement instruments have historically recognised the importance and independence of ability, belief and experience.…”