Lasikiewicz, Nicola (2013) Perceived stress, thinking style and paranormal belief. In: Abstracts from the Australian Conference on Personality and Individual Differences. From: ACPID 2013: Australian Conference on Personality and Individual Differences, 22-23 November 2013, Brisbane, QLD, Australia. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Paranormal beliefs often become stronger in times of stress. Such beliefs have also been found to vary in accordance with thinking style, whereby stronger beliefs are often observed in experiential thinkers. Little research, however, has explored the interaction between subjective stress and thinking style. 82 males and females aged 18 to 62 years (mean = 29.96 ± 12.53 years) completed measures of perceived stress, thinking style and paranormal belief. The results revealed stronger beliefs in experiential thinkers, compared with those with a rational thinking style. Perceived stress alone, was not a significant predictor of belief but the combination of stress and thinking style, specifically high perceived stress with a complementary or rational thinking style, significantly predicted global paranormal belief, belief in psi, spiritualism, and superstition, religious belief and belief in extraordinary life forms. In contrast, rational thinking and low perceived stress was associated with lower belief in superstition and precognition. Interestingly, high perceived stress and experiential thinking was associated with lower global paranormal belief and belief in psi. These findings suggest that stress may reduce rational thinking and consequently, encourage belief in scientifically unsubstantiated phenomena. This interaction may have implications for coping during stressful situations.

Item ID:	34940
Item Type:	Conference Item (Presentation)
Date Deposited:	17 Sep 2014 05:26
FoR Codes:	17 PSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITIVE SCIENCES > 1701 Psychology > 170106 Health, Clinical and Counselling Psychology @ 10% 17 PSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITIVE SCIENCES > 1702 Cognitive Science > 170202 Decision Making @ 20% 17 PSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITIVE SCIENCES > 1701 Psychology > 170199 Psychology not elsewhere classified @ 70%
SEO Codes:	97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970117 Expanding Knowledge in Psychology and Cognitive Sciences @ 100%
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