Personality correlates of paranormal belief: Locus of control and sensation seeking

In order to more fully understand the relationship between paranormal belief, locus of control, and sensation seeking, 81 undergraduate university students were administered the Paranormal Belief Scale (PBS), Rotter's Locus of Control Scale, and the Sensation Seeking Scale. Results indicated that a greater external locus of control was associated with greater overall number of paranormal beliefs. Greater external locus of control was especially associated with the PBS subscales of spirituality and precognition. Contrary to expectations, belief in superstition was associated with a greater internal locus of control. Whereas overall sensation seeking was not related to overall PBS scores, the PBS subscales of greater belief in psi phenomena and superstition were found to be associated with higher levels of sensation seeking. Results are discussed in relation to conceptualizations of the different personality/belief constructs.