Anomalous Beliefs Survey
Click here to take the surveyAnomalous beliefs (e.g., belief in UFOs, Psi, and angels) are known for being associated with psychopathology, such as Schizotypal Personality Disorder. However, according to nation-wide polls, many people hold anomalous beliefs. This suggests that these beliefs are neither categorically maladaptive nor representative of psychopathology. Very little research has addressed how anomalous beliefs might be adaptive. In response, I conducted a study in which I found evidence that: (a) anomalous beliefs are adaptive when they serve beneficial functions in people's lives, such as making sense of the world and providing meaning; and (b) the adaptivity of anomalous beliefs is closely related to emotional experience (Boden & Berenbaum, 2004).
To further investigate anomalous beliefs we are collecting data using an internet survey. We ask you to participate in the survey by clicking here. As the survey includes many items, we would appreciate your completion of as many items as possible. If you have a limited amount of time to complete the survey, we would appreciate your completion of the first half of the survey, including items regarding anomalous beliefs and the functions of those beliefs.
To obtain further information about topics related to the survey or information about the treatment of psychological distress, please access the following websites.
Gallup Poll
http://www.gallup.com/poll/16915/Three-Four-Americans-Believe-Paranormal.aspx
http://www.gallup.com/poll/19558/Paranormal-Beliefs-Come-SuperNaturally-Some.aspx
Open Directory
http://www.dmoz.org//Society/Paranormal/
National Institute of Mental Health
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/index.shtml
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/getting-help-locate-services/index.shtml
Schizotypal Disorder Resources
http://schizotypaldisorder.webs.com/