Revealing the Layers of Paranormal Beliefs: Latent Dimensions and Psychological Roots
Lazo Dragaš, Predrag Teovanović
September 11, 2025 preprint DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/kf35e_v1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Cross-sectional survey |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 287 |
| Population | Undergraduate students |
| Keywords | Paranormal Confirmatory factor analysis Structural equation modeling Clarity Exploratory factor analysis Scale ratio Sample material Variance accounting Parapsychology Experiential avoidance Explained variation Variation astronomy Explanatory model Consistency knowledge bases Developmental psychology Spirituality Latent variable model Internal consistency Cronbach's alpha |
| Key findings | Paranormal beliefs have a bifactor structure with a general factor and five specific dimensions, and psychological variables like psychosis proneness and experiential thinking account for substantial variance beyond socio-political factors. |
Abstract
Efforts to map the breadth and latent structure of paranormal beliefs have been challenged by inconsistent findings, largely due to conceptual clarity and the use of incompatible instruments. To address this, we developed the 67-item Comprehensive Paranormal Belief Scale (CPBS), derived from 29 existing measures, and administered it to an undergraduate sample (N = 287). The CPBS demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α = .97) and acceptable-to-good reliabilities for 12 subscales (αs ranging from .71 to .87). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a bifactor structure comprising a general paranormal-belief factor alongside five specific dimensions: Psychic powers, Superstition, Supernatural beings, Material divination, and Traditional religious beliefs (CFI = .93, TLI = .93, RMSEA = .045, SRMR = .075). Hierarchical regressions revealed that psychological variables, particularly psychosis proneness and experiential thinking, accounted for substantial incremental variance beyond socio-political factors (ΔR-squared ranged from 7.9% to 31.1%), among which spirituality emerged as the strongest predictor. However, distinct predictor profiles for individual dimensions also emerged, further illuminated by canonical correlation analysis. The debated status of traditional religious beliefs within the paranormal domain is also discussed. Limitations include the homogeneous undergraduate sample and several culturally specific items, highlighting the need for cross-cultural validation.