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
