The effect of psychological distance and rational-experiential system on paranormal beliefs

• Main Authors: Chen,Bo-Hung, 陳柏宏
• Other Authors: Yen,Chih-Long
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2011
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/40150572309239191992

碩士 === 國防大學政治作戰學院 === 心理碩士班 === 99 === Based on the propositions of construal level theory ( CLT ) and cognitive-experiential self theory (CEST), this research propose that decreasing psychological distance (PD)of paranormal events may lead individuals to represent the events by its specific features (low-level construal), thereby enhance their paranormal beliefs. In additions, past research has found that experiential system is related to paranormal beliefs, whether rational system is not. Thus, rational-experiential system may moderate the relationship of PD and paranormal beliefs. The relationship of PD and paranormal beliefs may be stronger for rational individuals than experiential ones. In Study 1 ( N = 60 ), participants were randomly assignedto either a proximal or distal psychological distance condition. Rational-experiential inventory ( REI ), paranormal belief about ghost, positive and negative affect scales and manipulation check of PD were then administrated. In Study 2 ( N = 100 ), the procedure was almost identical to Study 1 except using a different ghost story and a short version REI. Results of two studies indicated that neither the main effect of PD on paranormal belief, nor the interaction of PD×rational –experiential system are significant. The hypotheses of current research were not supported.