Ghost Hunting Groups and Ghost Hunters in Germany: Results of Two Online Surveys

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

We conducted two online surveys with German ghost hunting groups (GHGs) and individual ghost hunters. The first questionnaire targeted entire teams, the second individual members. Our goals were (1) to understand the current GHG scene in Germany—their composition, investigation approaches, and exceptional experiences (ExEs)—and (2) to gain insight into the people engaged in this time- and resource intensive hobby. We developed two questionnaires and included two established scales in the individual version to assess exceptional experiences (Fragebogen zur Phänomenologie außergewöhnlicher Erfahrungen [Questionnaire on the Phenomenology of Exceptional Experiences, PExE II]) and paranormal beliefs (Belief in the Supernatural Scale [BitSS]). We received twenty-one team responses and thirty-nine from individuals. Results from study 1 showed that GHGs exhibited similarities in site selection, investigative methods, use of technical equipment, and types of recorded anomalies. Social media now largely replaces traditional websites and local TV features. However, teams differ in documentation practices and how they handle collected data. Group sizes, founding dates, and annual investigation frequency vary widely. Study 2 found that ghost hunters reported more ExEs than student samples and hold stronger paranormal beliefs (BitSS). Surprisingly, 85% believe in a link between paranormal phenomena and the deceased, while 30% identify as atheists or agnostics—suggesting belief in spirits of the deceased is not necessarily tied to belief in God. For ghost hunters, ExEs are typically not distressing but inspire curiosity and further pursuit. Nearly two-thirds stated that prior ExEs were key motivators for taking up ghost hunting. In addition to the entertainment aspect, the possibility of ‘real’ contact with the supernatural plays an important role for many ghost hunters, something that cannot be found in media offerings on this topic. The motivation of ghost hunters ranges from scientific interest to the desire to confirm or question their own beliefs.