Childhood Trauma and the Development of Paranormal Beliefs: A Psychological Perspective

Background: Paranormal beliefs persist across cultures, potentially linked to early adverse experiences like childhood trauma, yet empirical evidence remains mixed. Objective: This study tested whether childhood trauma predicts paranormal beliefs in an Indian sample. Method: Participants (N = 119) completed the Reverse Paranormal Belief Scale (range: 26-154) and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (range: 26-117). Analyses included descriptives, Pearson correlations, and simple linear regression. Results: Paranormal belief scores showed substantial variability (M = 104.98, SD = 22.70), while trauma scores were more uniform (M = 62.65, SD = 10.78). Correlation analysis revealed a weak negative, non-significant relationship (r = -.115, p = .211). Regression confirmed trauma's minimal predictive power (R = .115, R² = .013, β = -.115, p = .211; B = -.243), explaining just 1.3% of variance. Conclusion: Childhood trauma does not significantly influence paranormal beliefs in this sample, implying multifactorial etiology involving cognitive biases, personality (e.g., openness), or cultural factors. Cross-sectional limitations and selfreport biases noted; longitudinal studies with mediators recommended.