Ghost Hunting Groups and Ghost Hunters in Germany: Results of Two Online Surveys
Journal of the Society for Psychical Research March 12, 2026 Gerhard Mayer, Sonja Nowara
German ghost hunters are motivated by curiosity and prior exceptional experiences (ExEs), not distress. Two online surveys—21 teams and 39 individuals—revealed that ghost hunting groups (GHGs) share similar site selection, investigative methods, and use of technical equipment, but differ in documentation and data handling. Individual ghost hunters reported more ExEs than student samples and hold stronger paranormal beliefs. 85% believe in a link between paranormal phenomena and the deceased, yet 30% identify as atheists or agnostics, indicating belief in spirits is not tied to belief in God. For most, ExEs inspire further pursuit; nearly two-thirds said prior ExEs were key motivators for taking up ghost hunting. Motivation ranges from scientific interest to confirming or questioning personal beliefs.