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Published on: September 28, 2018
[French validation of the Revised Paranormal Belief Scale]
R Bouvet1, H Djeriouat1, N Goutaudier2
1Laboratoire CLLE-LTC, UMR CNRS 5263, université de Toulouse II - le Mirail, 31058 Toulouse, France.
This study validated the French Revised Paranormal Belief Scale (RPBS) and found paranormal beliefs correlate with Schizotypal Personality Disorder traits. The French RPBS is a reliable tool for assessing these beliefs in the French population.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Paranormal beliefs are prevalent globally, with the Revised Paranormal Belief Scale (RPBS) widely used for assessment.
- No French-validated instrument existed for measuring paranormal beliefs.
- Previous research suggests a link between paranormal beliefs and schizotypy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate the French version of the Revised Paranormal Belief Scale (RPBS).
- To investigate the relationship between traits of Schizotypal Personality Disorder and paranormal beliefs in a French sample.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 313 participants online and via social media.
- Administered the French RPBS and the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ-B).
- Utilized confirmatory factor analysis to validate the RPBS structure.
Main Results:
- A seven-factor structure for the RPBS, excluding two items, best fit the French data.
- The "cognition-perception" schizotypy subscale significantly correlated with witchcraft, spirituality, precognition, and psi dimensions of paranormal beliefs.
- No significant correlations were found between "disorganized" or "interpersonal" schizotypy dimensions and paranormal beliefs.
Conclusions:
- The French RPBS is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing paranormal beliefs.
- Paranormal beliefs are associated with specific traits of Schizotypal Personality Disorder.
- Further research into the association between schizotypy and paranormal beliefs is warranted.
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