Transliminality and transpersonal self-expansiveness predict paranormal belief

Abstract

<p>Studies have shown that paranormal belief is correlated with numerous variables, including schizotypy and transliminality. The current study aimed to examine (a) the role of transliminality in understanding variability in paranormal belief and (b) whether transpersonal self-expansiveness improved the prediction of paranormal belief after accounting for the influence of transliminality. Self-expansiveness is a concept likely to be embraced by paranormal believers, and it suggests possible access to knowledge beyond the normal sensory modalities. One hundred and ninety-nine participants were administered the Revised Transliminality Scale (Form B), the Australian Sheep–Goat Scale (measuring paranormal belief), and the Self-Expansiveness Level Form. All three variables correlated with each other positively and significantly. Transpersonal self-expansiveness significantly improved the prediction of paranormal belief after accounting for the significant variance in prediction contributed by transliminality. The findings suggest that transpersonal self-expansiveness is an important individual differences variable when seeking to account for variability in paranormal belief.</p>