Paranormal beliefs and the maintenance of assumptive world views

Abstract

People are inclined to make assumptions about the nature of the world in terms of their perceived vulnerability to life events. Specifically, they tend to see the world as benevolent and meaningful and to see themselves as worthy individuals. These assumptive world views, while of doubtful validity, do facilitate a sense of security and psychological adjustment. This study explored the possible role of paranormal beliefs in maintaining assumptive world views. An Australian community sample of 135 adults completed a survey inventory comprising questionnaire measures of assumptive world views and paranormal beliefs. Regression analyses indicated that the strength of assumptive world views was predicted by paranormal beliefs, particularly belief in New Age constructs. The findings encourage the view of paranormal beliefs as a commonly used defence mechanism.