Death threat, death concerns, and paranormal belief

Abstract Relationships among death threat, death concerns, and paranormal beliefs were investigated in a personal construct theory framework. First, the Threat Index measure of death threat and the Paranormal Belief Scale, which provides a measure of degree of belief in each of seven paranormal dimensions, were administered to 78 college students. As hypothesized, one paranormal belief dimension (traditional religious belief) was significantly associated with decreased death threat. In addition, the Death Concern Scale measure of conscious concerns about death and the Paranormal Scale were administered to 73 college students. As hypothesized, significant positive correlations were obtained between six of the seven paranormal belief dimensions (all except for traditional religious beliefs) and Death Concern Scale scores. Thus, greater beliefs in these six paranormal dimensions were associated with greater death concerns. Findings are discussed in terms of the notion that paranormal beliefs may play a role in reducing fear and threat of death. Further, results indicate that death threat and death concerns are separate death orientation constructs.