Lasikiewicz, Nicola (2016) Perceived stress, thinking style and paranormal belief. Imagination, Cognition and Personality, 35 (3). pp. 306-320.

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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 perceived 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 (rational and experiential) 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 prominent predictor of belief but the combination of stress and thinking style, specifically high perceived stress with a rational thinking style, significantly predicted greater global paranormal belief, belief in superstition, traditional religious belief, and belief in psi. High perceived stress appeared to facilitate belief in rational thinkers as conversely, belief was lowest in rational thinkers under conditions of low-perceived stress. These findings suggest that stress may lower the propensity for rational thinking and consequently, encourage belief in scientifically unsubstantiated phenomena. This interaction may have implications for coping during stressful situations.

Item ID:	38015
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1541-4477
Keywords:	paranormal belief; perceived stress; thinking style; rational thinking; experiential thinking
Additional Information:	Presented at the ACPID 2013: Australian Conference on Personality and Individual Differences, 22-23 November 2013, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Date Deposited:	15 Jun 2017 04:48
FoR Codes:	50 PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES > 5003 Philosophy > 500315 Philosophy of mind (excl. cognition) @ 50% 50 PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES > 5003 Philosophy > 500310 Phenomenology @ 50%
SEO Codes:	92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920410 Mental Health @ 80% 97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970122 Expanding Knowledge in Philosophy and Religious Studies @ 20%
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