Ignorance is bliss? Exploring paranormal beliefs, coping and happiness in a UK and Singaporean sample

Previous research has indicated that belief in unusual phenomena and superstitious thinking may increase in times of stress (Keinan 1994; 2002). Further, believers in the paranormal often display avoidant coping strategies with little to no problem solving. These findings may, therefore, reflect a specific coping mechanism for stressful situations. However, little research has explored the possible interaction between the perception of stress and coping style on belief and further, an assessment of perceived happiness. Consequently, the current study aimed to explore possible associations between perceived stress and happiness, coping and paranormal belief. Further, these relationships were explored and compared in a sample of Western (UK) and South East Asian (Singapore) participants. Ninety-two male and female participants aged between 19 and 61 years (mean age=36.56 ± 11.74 years) from the UK and 145 male and female participants aged between 18 and 57 years (mean age=23.03 ± 5.51 years) from Singapore completed an online battery of psychological measures assessing paranormal belief (Revised Paranormal Belief Scale; Tobacyk, 1988), superstitious thinking (Superstitions Questionnaire; Zebb & Moore, 2003), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale, Cohen, 1994), coping (Ways of Coping Revised, Lazarus & Folkman, 1985) and happiness (Oxford Happiness Questionnaire; Hills & Argyle, 2002). Participants were predominantly students recruited using convenience sampling. Data were analysed using a series of backwards enter multiple regression analyses to determine the predictors of paranormal belief. For all participants, level of education (a higher score being indicative of a lower educational qualification), happiness and coping were significant predictors of global paranormal belief (R2=.22, F(6, 225)=10.787; p<.01). Specifically, a lower level of education (β=.20; p<.00) greater happiness (β=.16; p<.05) and coping in the form of low problem solving (β=-.16; p<.05) and greater positive reappraisal (β=.24; p<.00) were associated with greater belief. Further, a lower level of education (β=.13; p<.05) and coping (low problem solving (β=-.18; p<.05) and high distancing (β=.31; p<.00) were associated with significantly greater superstitious thinking (R2=.21, F(7, 224)=8.239; p<.01). In terms of crosscultural differences, paranormal belief was significantly greater in Singaporeans but no significant differences in happiness and perceived stress between the two nations were noted. In terms of predicting belief, level of education was a significant predictor of both global paranormal belief (β=.36; p<.00) and superstitious thinking (β=.25; p<.05) for participants in the UK (R2=.16, F(3, 85)=5.345; p<.01 and R2=.12, F(2, 86)=5.776; p<.01 respectively). For Singaporeans, greater happiness (β=.23; p<.00) significantly predicted greater paranormal belief in addition to low problem solving (β=-.19; p<.05), high avoidance (β=.21; p<.05) and greater distancing (β=.34; p<.00) coping strategies (R2=.22, F(5, 137)=7.832; p<.01). Further, the combination of high perceived stress and low problem solving was also a significant predictor of superstitious thinking in Singaporeans (R2=.27, F(5, 137)=9.919; p<.00; β=-.19; p<.00). The findings support the suggestion that belief in the paranormal may reflect a specific pattern of coping characterised by greater propensity for distancing and avoidance with low problem solving. Further, the combination of high stress and low problem solving may increase the propensity for belief and superstitious thinking, particularly in a South East Asian population. Further research is required to determine whether this apparent coping mechanism is protective or maladaptive in the long run and whether cultural differences may mediate this effect

The Effect of Superstitious Thinking on Psychosocial Stress Responses and Perceived Task Performance

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Lasikiewicz, N., & Teo, W. Y. (2018). The effect of superstitious thinking on psychosocial stress responses and perceived task performance. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 21(1-2), 32-41. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajsp.12195, which has been published in final form at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ajsp.12195. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-ArchivingAbstract Previous research on superstition, a subset of paranormal belief, suggests that people tend to invoke luck-related superstitions in stressful situations as an attempt to gain an illusion of control over outcomes. Based on this, the current study examined whether luck-related superstition, in the form of a ‘lucky’ pen, could influence the psychological response to a psychosocial stressor. Participants (N =114) aged between 17 and 59 years (M = 22.98, SD = 4.57) from James Cook University Singapore, were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: (1) no-stress with no ‘lucky’ pen; (2) no-stress with a ‘lucky’ pen; (3) stress with no ‘lucky’ pen; (4) stress with a ‘lucky’ pen. The results revealed that participants provided with a “lucky” pen experienced lower state anxiety when exposed to the stressor. Further, participants provided with a ‘lucky’ pen perceived their performance to be better than those without it. However, superstitious belief did not significantly change following exposure to stress. Taken together, the present findings add some support to the suggestion that belief in transferable luck may facilitate coping with a stressor. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind the potential benefits of superstitious belief

Perceived Stress, Thinking Style and Paranormal Belief

Paranormal beliefs often become stronger in times of stress. Such beliefs have also been found to vary in accordance with thinking style, whereby stronger beliefs are often observed in experiential thinkers. Little research, however, has explored the interaction between perceived stress and thinking style. 82 males and females aged 18 to 62 years (mean = 29.96 ± 12.53 years) completed measures of perceived stress, thinking style (rational and experiential) and paranormal belief. The results revealed stronger beliefs in experiential thinkers, compared with those with a rational thinking style. Perceived stress alone, was not a prominent predictor of belief but the combination of stress and thinking style, specifically high perceived stress with a rational thinking style, significantly predicted greater global paranormal belief, belief in superstition, traditional religious belief, and belief in psi. High perceived stress appeared to facilitate belief in rational thinkers as conversely, belief was lowest in rational thinkers under conditions of low-perceived stress. These findings suggest that stress may lower the propensity for rational thinking and consequently, encourage belief in scientifically unsubstantiated phenomena. This interaction may have implications for coping during stressful situations

Cortisol, stress responsivity and cognitive function in older adults: relationship to waist hip ratio and metabolic parameters

Basal cortisol activity is postulated to be elevated in individuals with central obesity yet this elevation is not mirrored in the basal diurnal cortisol profile. Individuals with central obesity may demonstrate an enhanced clearance capability evidenced by elevated urinary cortisol metabolites, hence basal salivary cortisol levels appear normal or reduced. Those with central obesity have been found to demonstrate an elevated cortisol response to psychological stress due to dysregulation of the HPA axis. Cognitive decrement has been observed in individuals with central obesity who show insulin resistance, high blood pressure and other features of the metabolic syndrome, however, research to date has failed to address the collective influence of elevated cortisol and metabolic risk factors on cognitive performance. A study was conducted (n=83) to explore the basal diurnal cortisol profile in those with central obesity (high waist-hip ratio) compared to those without (low waist-hip ratio). The findings demonstrated that profiles exhibited by high waist-hip ratio individuals mirrored those exhibited by low waist-hip ratio individuals, although mean cortisol was reduced. A subsequent study (n=70) explored cortisol responses to a psychosocial stressor (The Trier Social Stress Test-TSST). High waist-hip ratio individuals exhibited greater cortisol during stress induction (TSST) than low waist-hip ratio individuals. Both the stress induction procedure and actual stress responses (cortisol and blood pressure) reduced performance on the Auditory Verbal Learning Task (AVLT). Performance on a paired associates learning task was impaired in high waist-hip ratio males who demonstrated a cortisol and/or blood pressure (BP) response to the stressor/no stressor. Impairment was further evident in high waist-hip ratio males who demonstrated a cortisol and/or BP response to the stress induction. The findings presented in this thesis suggest that individuals with central obesity exhibit altered basal and stress induced cortisol which may contribute along with metabolic factors, to cognitive impairment. Finally, it was observed that differences in the shape of the diurnal cortisol profiles were attributable to various psychological and metabolic characteristics. Flattened profiles (non-classic), which have been associated with non-compliance, were associated with greater subjective reporting of stress, intensity of daily hassles, poorer sleep quality and more severe metabolic syndrome symptomology. This highlights the usefulness of the basal profile in determining individual vulnerability to stress and poorer health. In conclusion, diurnal cortisol, central obesity and markers of metabolic syndrome may interact to influence hippocampal memory function

Losses and gains: exploring the psychological benefits of weight loss

Dr. Nicola Lasikiewicz was invited to present at a special symposium at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) 2014, by Kellogg's UK. Nicola (James Cook University, Australia) presented the results of a recent systematic review exploring the psychological benefits of weight loss following participation in behavioural or dietary-based interventions with or without exercise (Lasikiewicz et al. 2014)

Perceived stress, thinking style and paranormal belief

Paranormal beliefs often become stronger in times of stress. Such beliefs have also been found to vary in accordance with thinking style, whereby stronger beliefs are often observed in experiential thinkers. Little research, however, has explored the interaction between subjective stress and thinking style. 82 males and females aged 18 to 62 years (mean = 29.96 ± 12.53 years) completed measures of perceived stress, thinking style and paranormal belief. The results revealed stronger beliefs in experiential thinkers, compared with those with a rational thinking style. Perceived stress alone, was not a significant predictor of belief but the combination of stress and thinking style, specifically high perceived stress with a complementary or rational thinking style, significantly predicted global paranormal belief, belief in psi, spiritualism, and superstition, religious belief and belief in extraordinary life forms. In contrast, rational thinking and low perceived stress was associated with lower belief in superstition and precognition. Interestingly, high perceived stress and experiential thinking was associated with lower global paranormal belief and belief in psi. These findings suggest that stress may reduce rational thinking and consequently, encourage belief in scientifically unsubstantiated phenomena. This interaction may have implications for coping during stressful situations

Proceedings of the International Conference on Managing the Asian Century

While the smartphone allows employees to connect with work “anytime and anywhere”, the demands to carry out work related tasks outside work hours may translate into extra demands on employees and incur negative outcomes such as work related fatigue. Alternatively, smartphone use may help to distract the employee from work issues or recover from the demands of work, though activities such as music and games. With Singapore having the highest smartphone penetration rate per capita (90% of the population) in the world, this study aimed to explore associations between both work related and personal smartphone use in non-work time and work related rumination, fatigue, and job stress in full-time employed Singaporean adults. Sixty-seven male and female working adults (mean age 36.5years, SD=9.35) from a diverse range of occupations completed online measures of work related and personal smartphone use during non-work hours and work related rumination, detachment, fatigue and recovery. The results indicated that smartphone use significantly decreased with increasing age. Further, work related smartphone use was significantly, positively correlated with personal use, problem-solving pondering but also work demand. Personal smartphone use also significantly, positively correlated with problem-solving pondering. Psychological detachment was the best predictor of personal smartphone use. The findings suggest that work related smartphone use in non-work time may facilitate work performance through problem solving, whilst personal use may promote psychological detachment from work. However, the link between work related smartphone use and job demand may signal risk. More research is required in a smartphone dense population such as Singapore to clarify these relationships

I Wear a Fitbit ™; Therefore, I Am a Bitfit: Exploring the Impact of a Fitbit ™ Device on Exercise and Work-Related Wellbeing

From Springer Nature via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: accepted 2023-04-27, registration 2023-05-01, epub 2023-05-19, online 2023-05-19, ppub 2023-12Publication status: PublishedWorkplace wellbeing initiatives supporting mental health often utilise wearable activity trackers to promote physical activity. However, evidence regarding their efficacy is limited. The current study explored the potential for a Fitbit™ to increase engagement in exercise and to moderate the effect of exercise on work-related wellbeing in full-time workers. Participants recorded their work-related wellbeing and physical activity for two consecutive weeks, one wearing a Fitbit™. Results indicated that participants engaged in fewer minutes of exercise when wearing a Fitbit™, and that exercise alone was not associated with better work-related wellbeing. Participants were more frustrated when they exercised but were not wearing a Fitbit™. Participants also reported greater temporal demand when wearing a Fitbit™, which was exacerbated when not engaging in exercise. However, Fitbit™ wear was also associated with greater work-related satisfaction, regardless of whether they had engaged in exercise that day. Our findings imply that wearing a Fitbit™ can moderate the impact of exercise on work-related wellbeing, suggesting that it is not the activity tracker or exercise alone, but the interaction between the two which is key. The potential for wearable trackers to be effective in improving health and wellbeing is more complex than previously anticipated and warrants further investigation

Smartphone use and work related wellbeing

While the smartphone allows employees to connect with work "anytime and anywhere", the demands to carry out work related tasks outside work hours may translate into extra demands on employees and incur negative outcomes such as work related fatigue. Alternatively, smartphone use may help to distract the employee from work issues or recover from the demands of work, though activities such as music and games. With Singapore having the highest smartphone penetration rate per capita (90% of the population) in the world, this study aimed to explore associations between both work related and personal smartphone use in non-work time and work related rumination, fatigue, and job stress in full-time employed Singaporean adults. Sixty-seven male and female working adults (mean age 36.5years, SD = 9.35) from a diverse range of occupations completed online measures of work related and personal smartphone use during non-work hours and work related rumination, detachment, fatigue and recovery. The results indicated that smartphone use significantly decreased with increasing age. Further, work related smartphone use was significantly, positively correlated with personal use, problem-solving pondering but also work demand. Personal smartphone use also significantly, positively correlated with problem-solving pondering. Psychological detachment was the best predictor of personal smartphone use. The findings suggest that work related smartphone use in non-work time may facilitate work performance through problem solving, whilst personal use may promote psychological detachment from work. However, the link between work related smartphone use and job demand may signal risk. More research is required in a smartphone dense population such as Singapore to clarify these relationships

I wear a FitbitTM therefore I am a Bitfit: Exploring the Impact of a FitbitTM Device on Exercise and Work-Related Wellbeing

This version of the article has been accepted for publication, after peer review (when applicable) and is subject to Springer Nature’s AM terms of use, but is not the Version of Record and does not reflect post-acceptance improvements, or any corrections. The Version of Record is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/[insert DOI]Workplace wellbeing initiatives supporting mental health, often utilise wearable activity trackers to promote physical activity. However, evidence regarding their efficacy is limited. The current study explored the potential for a FitbitTM to increase engagement in exercise, and to moderate the effect of exercise on work-related wellbeing in full-time workers. Participants recorded their work-related wellbeing and physical activity for two consecutive weeks, one wearing a FitbitTM. Results indicated that participants engaged in fewer minutes of exercise when wearing a FitbitTM, and that exercise alone was not associated with better work-related wellbeing. Participants were more frustrated when they exercised but were not wearing a FitbitTM. Participants also reported greater temporal demand when wearing a FitbitTM, which was exacerbated when not engaging in exercise. However, FitbitTM wear was also associated with greater work-related satisfaction, regardless of whether they had engaged in exercise that day. Our findings imply that wearing a FitbitTM can moderate the impact of exercise on work-related wellbeing, suggesting that it is not the activity tracker or exercise alone, but the interaction between the two which is key. The potential for wearable trackers to be effective in improving health and wellbeing is more complex than previously anticipated and warrants further investigation