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The structure and correlates of kanashibari
H Arikawa1, D I Templer, R Brown
1California School of Professional Psychology 93727-2014, USA.
The Journal of Psychology
|July 21, 1999
Summary
Kanashibari, or sleep paralysis, is a common experience linked to higher death anxiety and external locus of control. Women reported experiencing kanashibari more frequently in this study.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sleep Studies
- Paranormal Phenomena
Background:
- Kanashibari, defined as temporary immobility during sleep transitions, is a phenomenon experienced by a significant portion of the population.
- Understanding the psychological correlates of kanashibari is crucial for addressing potential distress associated with the experience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the parameters and psychological correlates of kanashibari.
- To examine the relationship between kanashibari, death anxiety, locus of control, and demographic factors.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 720 nonclinical Japanese individuals.
- Participants completed the Death Anxiety Scale, the Locus of Control Scale, and a kanashibari-specific questionnaire.
- Statistical analyses were performed to identify correlations.
Main Results:
- 34% of participants reported experiencing kanashibari at least once.
- Kanashibari experiences were positively correlated with death anxiety.
- A positive correlation was found between kanashibari and an external-other locus of control, indicating a belief that life events are determined by fate or chance.
- Being female was also positively correlated with experiencing kanashibari.
Conclusions:
- Kanashibari is associated with heightened death anxiety and a belief in external control over one's life.
- Gender appears to be a factor in the prevalence of kanashibari experiences.
- Further research can explore the implications of these findings for mental health and well-being.