The True Believers

Unwavering belief in phenomena that contradict known scientific laws and principles is a common feature of all western societies, and there is little evidence to suggest that widespread paranormal beliefs are on the wane. Each participant completed a battery of self-report questionnaires to assess paranormal belief, self-esteem and the ability to understand, regulate and reason with emotion. In addition to instruments measuring paranormal belief and self-esteem, the Religious Orientation Scale measured intrinsic (spirituality) and extrinsic (overt behaviours such as church-going) dimensions of religious belief.