The relationship between paranormal belief and psychopathology with special focus on magical ideation, psychosis, and schizotypy

Abstract

We sought an answer to the question, Are paranormal claimants more likely or less likely to manifest psychopathology than those who make no such claims? Reviews of previous research, and a re-analysis of old data, indicate there is no burgeoning need to pathologize paranormal believers, even if measures suggest a tendency for characteristic symptoms. While psychopathology (probably prodromal) may still be suggested under specific circumstances, the blunt term ‘psychosis’ may be misapplied in cases where a non-clinical condition known as ‘spiritual emergency’ is evident. Likewise, schizotypy in some paranormal believers may be a condition needing attention, but the so-called ‘happy schizotype’ seems somewhat of an exception. Study designs are proposed that might help better understand the happy schizotype and spiritual emergency.