@article{BetschJaeckelHammesetal.2021,
  author    = {Tilmann Betsch and Paul J{\"a}ckel and Mareike Hammes and Babette Julia Brinkmann},
  title     = {On the Adaptive Value of Paranormal Beliefs - a Qualitative Study},
  series   = {Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science},
  volume    = {55},
  number    = {2},
  publisher = {Springer US},
  issn      = {1932-4502},
  doi       = {10.1007/s12124-020-09594-5},
  url       = {https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:hbz:832-epub4-21286},
  pages     = {318 -- 328},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Ten female and five male participants (age range 28–50 years) were recruited at esoteric fairs or via esoteric chatrooms. In a guided face-to-face interview, they reported origins and contents of their beliefs in e.g. esoteric practices, supernatural beings, rebirthing, channeling. Transcripts of the tape-recorded reports were subjected to a qualitative analysis. Exhaustive categorization of the narratives’ content revealed that paranormal beliefs were functional with regard to two fundamental motives – striving for mastery and valuing me and mine (striving for a positive evaluation of the self). Moreover, paranormal beliefs paved the way for goal-setting and leading a meaningful life but, on the negative side, could also result in social exclusion. Results are discussed with reference to the adaptive value of paranormal beliefs.},
  language  = {en}
}