A latent profile analysis and structural equation modelling of paranormal belief, psychopathological symptoms, and well-being

Dagnall, Neil ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0657-7604 and Denovan, Andrew ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9082-7225 (2023) A latent profile analysis and structural equation modelling of paranormal belief, psychopathological symptoms, and well-being. Project Report. Bial Foundation.

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Abstract

Background Research investigating links between paranormal belief and reduced well-being has produced inconsistent findings. The most reliable outcome being an association between superstition and stress vulnerability. Accordingly, this project used a range of analytical techniques to further explore links between paranormal belief and reduced well-being. Aims To identify profiles combining paranormal belief and psychopathological symptoms. To develop and test models examining how emergent profiles relate to well-being over a sustained period (6 months). Method This project comprised six studies, using cross sectional and longitudinal methods. These surveyed participants via online self-report measures. Alongside the Revised Paranormal Belief Scale, participants completed a range of cognitive-perceptual, psychopathology-related, and well-being (e.g., Perceived Stress, Somatic Symptoms, Life Satisfaction, Depression Scale, Meaning in Life) measures. Results A range of statistical procedures was used: Latent profile analysis, indirect effects, network analysis, longitudinal analysis. Generally, findings indicated that general paranormal belief in the absence of high scores on cognitive-perceptual (i.e., transliminality) and psychopathology-related factors (i.e., schizotypy and manic-depressive experience) was not associated with lower well-being. Additionally, transliminality was a connecting variable between paranormal belief, positive schizotypy, and psychopathology. However, with regards to perceived stress, Traditional Paranormal Belief predicted higher distress and lower coping. Conclusions Paranormal belief, in the absence of related cognitive-perceptual and psychopathology-related factors, was not detrimental to well-being.