Recent research indicates that paranormal belief, in the absence of allied cognitive-perceptual and psychopathology-related factors, is not associated with negative wellbeing outcomes. However, investigators have historically reported relationships between specific facets of belief (e.g., superstition) and stress vulnerability. These typically derive from the Revised Paranormal Belief Scale (RPBS), which has questionable psychometric integrity.
Nonetheless, the two-factor RPBS model provides useful clinical insights for practitioners working with clients who report religious, spiritual, and supernatural problems. Explicitly, TPB and NAP suggest the possible origin of issues and the starting point of therapy/treatment. Specifically, they advise that individuals with elevated levels of TPB and stress would benefit from exposure to approach coping strategies.
These together with techniques that promote an internal locus of control may enhance coping and reduce distress. Certainly, follow-up work should investigate relationships between these factors. This is vital because although paranormal belief may not itself be predictive of lower well-being, it may indirectly reflect reduced psychological functioning.
From this perspective, like conspiracy theory endorsement, in extreme instances heightened endorsement of paranormal belief could be symptomatic of non-adaptive coping.