Resting-State Electroencephalogram (EEG) Coherence Over Frontal Regions in Paranormal Beliefs

Introduction: Paranormal beliefs are defined as the belief in extrasensory perception, precognition, witchcraft, and telekinesis, magical thinking, psychokinesis, superstitions. Previous studies corroborate that executive brain functions underpin paranormal beliefs. To test this hypotheses, neurophysiological studies of brain activity are required. Methods: A sample of 20 students (10 girls, Mean±SD age: 22.50±4.07 years) were included in the current study. The absolute power of resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG) was analyzed in intra-hemispheric and inter-hemispheric coherence with eyes open. The paranormal beliefs were determined based on the total score of the revised paranormal belief scale (RPBS). Results: The results of this study demonstrated a significant negative relationship between paranormal beliefs and resting-state EEG in alpha band activity in the frontal lobe (left hemisphere), EEG coherence of alpha and β1, β2, and gamma band activities in the frontal lobe (right hemisphere) and coherence of alpha and β1, β2 and gamma band activities between frontal regions (two hemispheres). In addition, the results showed that coherence of α, α1, β, and β2 band activities between the frontal lobe (right hemispheres) and the EEG coherence of Δ, α1, and beta band activities in the frontal lobe (two hemispheres) predict paranormal beliefs. Conclusion: This study confirms the connection of executive brain functions to paranormal beliefs and determines that frontal brain function may contribute to paranormal beliefs.