Paranormal Belief, Conspiracy Endorsement, and Wellbeing: Network analysis

Neil Dagnall ^1* Kenneth Graham Drinkwater ¹ Andrew Denovan ¹ alex Escolá Gascón ²

• ¹ Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
• ² Comillas Pontifical University, Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Using network analysis (NA), this paper examined interrelationships between advocacy of scientifically unsubstantiated beliefs (paranormal and conspiracy endorsement) and positive wellbeing outcomes (i.e., coping, meaning in life, self-esteem, and satisfaction with life). In total, 1667 participants completed study measures. Analysis revealed that Paranormal Belief and Self-Esteem were central variables. Though not directly connected, common relations with Search for Meaning in Life and Avoidant Coping existed. Paranormal Belief most strongly linked (positively) with Conspiracy Endorsement, the Cognitive-Perceptual dimension of schizotypy, Search, and Avoidant Coping. Connections indicated that Paranormal Belief bridged (and potentially mediated) relationships between Schizotypy, Search, and Avoidant Coping. Self-Esteem most strongly linked positively with Presence of Meaning in Life, Active Coping, Satisfaction with Life, and negatively with Avoidant Coping and Search. Examination of the network also revealed that Self-Esteem bridged relationships between Coping (Active and Avoidant), Meaning in Life (Search and Presence), and Satisfaction with Life. While the correlation between Paranormal Belief and Self-Esteem was small, the importance of these nodes suggested that their indirect interaction (via Search, and Avoidant Coping) influenced factors allied to positive wellbeing. This suggested that the connection between Paranormal Belief and enhanced Self-Esteem positively influenced wellbeing. Conversely, Paranormal Belief affiliated with low Self-Esteem reflected poorer/reduced psychological health.Accordingly, subsequent research should test this notion using specific belief facets.