[WORLD] In a world driven by science and technology, the allure of the supernatural continues to captivate many. From ghostly apparitions to fortune-tellers predicting the future, paranormal beliefs persist in modern society. But what drives these beliefs, and how do experts explain the enduring fascination with the unexplained?
The Science Behind Supernatural Beliefs
Professor Chris French, a renowned expert in anomalistic psychology, has dedicated his career to understanding why people believe in phenomena that lack scientific support. His field of study, which he coined "anomalistic psychology," differs from parapsychology in its approach.
"Parapsychologists typically focus most of their efforts on attempting to find evidence in support of paranormal phenomena; that is, phenomena such as ESP, psychokinesis, and life after death, which cannot be explained in terms of currently accepted scientific concepts," French explains.
In contrast, anomalistic psychology seeks to elucidate reports of ostensibly paranormal experiences through non-paranormal, typically psychological factors3.
The Psychology of Paranormal Beliefs
Seeking Meaning in Chaos
One explanation for the prevalence of paranormal beliefs is the human desire for structure and meaning in a seemingly chaotic world. Dr. Stuart Vyse, a psychologist and author, suggests that supernatural beliefs can provide a sense of control and understanding in uncertain times.
"There seems to be a certain degree of randomness and chaos to the lives we lead, and sometimes people want structure or explanations to human existence," Vyse explains. "Paranormal or supernatural phenomena can help provide that meaning."
The Quest for Immortality
Much of the meaning we seek relates to our mortality and what happens after death. This existential curiosity fuels the popularity of psychics, fortune-tellers, and ghost hunters.
A Sense of Belonging
Belief in the paranormal can also offer a sense of belonging in a vast and often impersonal universe. As scientific discoveries make us feel increasingly insignificant, paranormal beliefs can provide a counterbalance, offering a special place in the cosmic order.
The Creative Connection
Interestingly, research has shown a link between creativity and belief in the supernatural. A 2013 study at the University of British Columbia found that individuals with a higher tendency to attribute human traits to non-human objects (anthropomorphism) were also more likely to believe in ghosts.
Professor Richard Wiseman, a psychologist known for his work on the paranormal, notes, "People who believe in a lot of these things do have the same kind of psychological make-up. They're open-minded, creative, quite high in ability to be absorbed in a situation like a play or a film, to identify patterns."
The Neuroscience of Supernatural Experiences
Some paranormal experiences can be explained by neurological phenomena. For instance, out-of-body experiences are now recognized as legitimate neurological events. Certain visual illusions in low-light conditions can create the appearance of mythical beings, potentially explaining some ghost sightings.
The Role of Control and Uncertainty
Jennifer Whitson, a professor at the University of Texas, suggests that paranormal beliefs can serve as a shield against the harsh realities of life. When faced with unexpected events or loss of control, the brain searches for meaning, sometimes perceiving structures that don't exist.
"It's such an aversive state that if it can't gain control objectively, we will get it by perceiving more structures around us, even if they don't exist," Whitson explains.
The Power of Belief
While skeptics may dismiss paranormal beliefs as mere superstition, Professor Wiseman chooses to highlight the positive aspects of human belief:
"If you look at the great scientific advances, like putting someone on the Moon or coming up with a vaccine for COVID in months, to do that you have to believe you can do something that's pretty close to impossible. I think that capability to believe in something, even though the evidence is minimal, allows us to do amazing things."
The Paranormal Experience
Research by Tapani Riekki has shown that believers in the paranormal are more likely to see intention behind random movements and hidden faces in everyday photos. This heightened pattern recognition may contribute to paranormal experiences.
Moreover, believers tend to have greater confidence in their decisions, even when based on ambiguous information. This confidence may reinforce their supernatural beliefs.
The Cultural Context
It's important to note that paranormal beliefs are often shaped by cultural context. The cultural source hypothesis suggests that paranormal experiences are products of tradition, shaped by social customs.
While scientific evidence for paranormal phenomena remains elusive, the belief in ghosts, fortune-tellers, and other supernatural entities persists. Anomalistic psychology offers valuable insights into why these beliefs endure, highlighting the complex interplay of psychological, neurological, and cultural factors.
As we continue to explore the mysteries of the human mind, we may gain a deeper understanding of the paranormal – not as a supernatural phenomenon, but as a fascinating aspect of human psychology and perception.
Whether one believes in ghosts or not, the study of paranormal beliefs offers a unique window into the human psyche, revealing our deep-seated needs for meaning, control, and connection in an often unpredictable world.
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