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Paranormal Beliefs and Cognitive Processes Underlying the Formation of Delusions

Harvey Jon Irwin, Neil Dagnall, Kenneth Drinkwater

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Recent research suggests that paranormal beliefs and delusional beliefs may have similar cognitive foundations. In order to explore this link further a survey was conducted to investigate the relationship between paranormal beliefs and cognitive dysfunctions known to be associated with the development of clinically defined delusions. A convenience sample of 207 people completed an online inventory of questionnaires measuring paranormal beliefs, inferential confusion, confirmation bias, and metacognitive beliefs. Both dimensions of paranormal belief surveyed here were found to be predicted by these cognitive factors. The construction of paranormal beliefs as delusions is critically discussed.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)108-127
    JournalAustralian Journal of Parapsychology
    Volume12
    Issue number2
    Publication statusPublished - 2012

    Keywords

    • Health, Clinical and Counselling Psychology
    • Psychology

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