Reasons that people believe in the paranormal

My homestead sat on a road with a pickled history involving a church ruin with a famine graveyard, a Mass Rock that was the secret spot to host services during the deadly times of the Brehon laws, and a Barrack House that offered a remote setting for the Black and Tans to torture and kill those they thought to be (original) IRA spies/sympathisers.

Ours was a house over 100 years old; the ground creaked, doors opened and closed as they pleased, and electrical appliances spontaneously turned themselves on and off.

Unexplainable events were not uncommon in our home. This begged the repeated question “What was that?!”

One day, while my mother and I stood side by side washing the dishes at the kitchen sink, a large serving spoon picked itself up, very slowly turned 360 degrees, and placed itself carefully back on the draining board. Dumbfounded, my mother and I stood frozen and fear-stricken. From that moment I was hooked!

Was this a result of the chemistry and physics between our bodies? Was it a stray thread from our clothing that caused the thing to move? Or would I dare to question disbelievingly if this was a disembodied hand from the beyond?!

I always had an inquisitive mind, but a need to know and understand why these things were happening sparked my interest in the science of the mind and the things we fail to have rational explanations for.

Even though I had what some may construe as ‘evidence’ of the paranormal, this would never be enough. I became curious as to the more ‘logical’ explanations for such events.

Even more so, I became curious as to the reason why some automatically defaulted to the ‘paranormal explanation’. Yes, I am an ’80s baby and I grew up with Ghostbusters being one of my favourite films. Egon was my favourite, with his scientific devices and inventions to explore and trap the entities that the ghostbusters fictionally encountered.

Although these were fancies of the younger me, my adult self still contemplates the reasons people believe in the paranormal. Without solid (pardon the pun) evidence of a life beyond, why do we so firmly believe in it? What need does it meet or void does it fill?

Belief in the paranormal is a relatively common phenomenon, with surveys indicating around 50% of people believe in the existence of ghosts, demons, psychokinesis, telepathy, clairvoyance, mediums, etc.

Research suggests there are several potential reasons why people may hold paranormal beliefs. From a mental health perspective (which is my area of work), studies have found associations between paranormal belief and various psychopathological symptoms, such as schizotypy, depression, and mania.

Individuals with higher levels of psychopathology-related traits like transliminality (a hypothesised tendency for psychological material to cross in or out of consciousness) and cognitive disorganisation tend to report more paranormal beliefs and experiences.

If we are to look through the lens of DSM-5 (the diagnostic tool of mental health disorders), that would argue that paranormal beliefs may be linked to deficits in the perceptions of reality and cognitive biases that characterise certain mental health conditions.

Surely this can’t account for everyone?!

People who are more anxious and feel they lack control over external events are more likely to hold paranormal beliefs. Paranormal beliefs may represent an attempt to establish a sense of control and reduce anxiety in the face of uncertainty. Conversely, individuals with higher mental toughness and confidence tend to perceive less risk in everyday situations and are less prone to paranormal beliefs.

Paranormal beliefs have been proposed to serve various psychological functions, such as providing a sense of meaning, organisation, and emotional refuge in the face of perceived uncontrollability in life. 

The belief that supernatural forces influence events can be ‘self-serving’ in helping maintain psychic integrity and a sense of personal agency.

An individual’s religious and cultural background may shape their propensity for paranormal beliefs. Stronger religiosity has been associated with greater acceptance of supernatural phenomena, whereas skepticism tends to be more prevalent among those without strong religious affiliations typically.

Yes, there are several positive mental health benefits associated with believing in the paranormal. Here are some key points:

Positive Relationship with Wellbeing: Research suggests that paranormal belief can be positively associated with higher levels of wellbeing and happiness. For example, a study found paranormal belief was positively correlated with increased happiness and well-being.

Meaning and Purpose: Paranormal beliefs can provide a sense of meaning and purpose in life. This is particularly evident in the context of personal experiences, where individuals often report that these experiences help them understand their place in the world and provide a sense of direction. Specifically when speaking about depression or mental health difficulties, the need for meaning and purpose is paramount in achieving a sense of healing or solace.

Emotional Support: Paranormal beliefs can offer emotional support and comfort, particularly in times of loss or uncertainty. For instance, the belief in life after death can help individuals resolve emotional conflicts and find closure. It can also help us in feeling close to our loved ones or to find peace in their loss.

Cognitive Function: Paranormal beliefs can also serve as a framework for interpreting unusual or unexplained experiences, which can enhance cognitive function and provide a sense of control over the environment.

Pareidolia is one of my favourite concepts offering an explanation for something chaotic becoming organised and fathomable. We, as humans, need to make sense of things and thus our brains will create images, perceptions or explanations for things that present as erratic or disorganised eg. Seeing shapes in clouds or faces in windows etc.

Psychological Functions: Paranormal beliefs can be seen as a form of ‘reality shelter’ that helps individuals cope with the uncertainty and unpredictability of life. This can be particularly beneficial for those who struggle with anxiety or feelings of lack of control.

Self-Concept Development: Paranormal beliefs can contribute to the development of a positive self-concept by providing a sense of identity and purpose. This is evident in the way that paranormal experiences can be used to construct meaning and significance in life.

Paranormal experiences tap into the human fascination with the mysterious and unexplained. The idea of encountering ghosts, spirits, or other supernatural entities sparks curiosity and a desire to understand phenomena that lie outside the realm of normal, everyday experience. Not least of all these tales of terror provide great entertainment around the campfire or when the electricity goes out!

Whatever your beliefs, and wherever you stand with regards to the paranormal, the fact remains that a vast majority of people experience things that are outside the realm of logical explanation every single day. An unrecognisable noise in the dark, a flicker out of the side of your eye, an appliance acting ‘independently’; the question remains: What was that?! The answer and its meaning is down to you!

Katrina Dennehy is a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist & Lecturer Smaointe CBT, Carrigaline, Co. Cork