Key Takeaway:
Belief in the supernatural, including ghosts, spirits, astrology, and psychic powers, is more common than people might expect. These beliefs offer a sense of control, meaning, and comfort in the face of life’s unpredictability. They fall outside the boundaries of conventional science and include ideas like fate, spiritual forces, and life after death. These beliefs provide narratives that make sense of the seemingly random, framing everyday struggles or sudden events as part of something larger. However, not all paranormal beliefs have the same psychological effects. Beliefs emphasizing external forces can increase psychological distress, while those focusing on personal empowerment tend to correlate with more positive wellbeing. Cognitive biases, the illusion of control, and social and cultural influences further reinforce belief in the paranormal. However, when paranormal thinking replaces critical thinking, problems can arise, leading to poor decisions in areas like health, safety, or personal finance.
Belief in the supernatural — from ghosts and spirits to astrology and psychic powers — is far more common than many might expect. In countries like the United States and the UK, studies consistently show that anywhere from a third to half the population holds some form of paranormal belief. But while these convictions are often dismissed as irrational or unscientific, psychologists are uncovering a much deeper explanation: these beliefs offer something essential to the human experience — a sense of control, meaning, and comfort in the face of life’s unpredictability.
Paranormal beliefs fall outside the boundaries of conventional science. They include ideas like fate, spiritual forces, or life after death. And in a world that frequently feels chaotic and out of control, these beliefs provide structure. They offer stories that make sense of the seemingly random, framing everyday struggles or sudden events as part of something larger — something intentional.
This instinct to make meaning isn’t just a quirky human habit; it’s deeply rooted in our brains. When people face uncertainty or powerlessness, their minds go into overdrive, searching for patterns and explanations. Whether it’s someone interpreting dreams, reading tarot cards, or following the stars for guidance, these acts provide narrative — a sense that life is not just random, but part of a greater design.
Take astrology, for example. By linking planetary movements to personal outcomes, astrology gives people a framework for understanding their lives. It’s not just about predicting the future — it’s about making sense of the present. The same can be said for conspiracy theories, which also offer neat, often emotionally satisfying explanations for events that feel out of our control.
Supernatural thinking can also ease anxiety about mortality. In cultures across the globe, beliefs about spirits and an afterlife serve as a kind of psychological buffer against the fear of death. Communicating with the dead, believing in reincarnation, or trusting in divine intervention offers people emotional support during periods of grief or existential distress. These beliefs reinforce the idea that there is more to life than what we can see — and that we, or those we love, are part of something that transcends death.
Yet not all paranormal beliefs have the same psychological effects. Recent studies suggest that beliefs emphasizing external forces — like destiny, divine will, or curses — can actually increase psychological distress. These kinds of beliefs often reflect a lack of personal control. People may blame bad luck or invisible forces for their problems rather than finding tangible solutions. This passive outlook can lead to feelings of helplessness and anxiety.
In contrast, beliefs that focus on personal empowerment — such as manifestation or using crystals to channel energy — tend to correlate with more positive wellbeing. These practices offer people a sense of agency. They allow individuals to feel that their thoughts and actions shape their reality, which boosts self-efficacy and mental resilience.
Psychologists also point to cognitive biases that influence how we interpret the world. Humans are wired to see patterns, even where none exist — a phenomenon known as apophenia. This explains why people see faces in clouds, hear hidden messages in music played backwards, or link a string of unfortunate events to a supernatural cause. It’s a mental shortcut that once helped our ancestors stay alert to danger — but in the modern world, it can make us overly sensitive to coincidence.
Another key bias is the illusion of control. Many of us believe we can influence outcomes that are clearly outside our power — like thinking that wearing a lucky shirt will affect a job interview. One recent study found that people who strongly believe in pseudoscience were more likely to fall for false medical cures. Their belief in their ability to shape outcomes led them to overlook real scientific information.
Social and cultural influences further reinforce belief in the paranormal. Media portrayals of ghosts, psychic phenomena, and supernatural forces are everywhere — from horror movies and television dramas to viral TikTok videos. These stories can shape how people interpret their own experiences, especially when they’re shared in communities or online forums that support those beliefs.
Peer influence also plays a significant role. In communities where paranormal beliefs are widely accepted, individuals are more likely to adopt those views. What one culture calls superstition, another may view as spiritual truth. Cultural norms and shared stories create a sense of collective reality — and that includes what is considered believable or credible.
Importantly, believing in the supernatural is not always linked to irrationality or poor wellbeing. Some studies show that people who hold paranormal beliefs can experience a stronger sense of purpose and meaning in life. These beliefs can help them navigate uncertainty and foster community with others who share their views. In many ways, they fulfill psychological and social needs in the same way religion, philosophy, or even storytelling can.
However, when paranormal thinking replaces critical thinking, problems can arise. Misinformation, magical thinking, and misplaced trust in supernatural solutions can lead people to make poor decisions — especially in areas like health, safety, or personal finance.
That’s why researchers stress the importance of promoting critical thinking and scientific literacy. Teaching people how to distinguish between helpful spiritual practices and unfounded claims allows them to engage with the unknown without losing touch with reality. Scepticism isn’t about rejecting belief — it’s about asking the right questions and looking for evidence.
In the end, belief in the supernatural persists because it touches something deeply human. It gives shape to our fears, hopes, and longing for meaning. While not all beliefs are helpful, many serve important psychological purposes. By understanding the role these beliefs play, we can approach the topic with more empathy — and perhaps even learn something profound about what it means to be human.
