Self-Ascribed Paranormal Ability: Reflexive Thematic Analysis.
Kenneth Graham Drinkwater, Neil Dagnall, Stephen Walsh, Lisa Sproson, Matthew Peverell, Andrew Denovan
Frontiers in psychology January 1, 2022 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.845283 via PubMed
Summary
The study explored how twelve individuals who claim to have paranormal abilities perceive and interpret these powers through semi-structured interviews. Analysis revealed four major themes: formative influences, subjective experiences, embodied processes, and perceptions of reality. Participants articulated their beliefs and contextualized their experiences, often dismissing conventional explanations while providing personal narratives to validate their abilities. The findings highlight the connection between perception, interpretation, and belief in self-ascribed paranormal skills.
Study at a glance
| Design | qualitative study |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 12 |
| Population | individuals with supposed supernatural powers |
| Key finding | Participants expressed a complex relationship between their perceptions, interpretations, and beliefs regarding their self-ascribed paranormal abilities. |
Abstract
This study investigated personal perceptions (involvements) and comprehensions (interpretations) of self-ascribed paranormal abilities. Twelve participants with supposed supernatural powers took part in semi-structured interviews exploring the origin, phenomenology, and nature of their powers. Interview transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis (RTA), a qualitative method that identifies patterns within data. Four major themes expressed meanings and representations held by participants: Formative Influences (sub-themes: Gifted Family Members and Anomalous Occurrence), (Inter) Subjective Paranormal Experience (sub-themes: Transcendental/Mystic and Extra-Sensory Perception), Embodied Processes (sub-theme: Control), and Perception of Reality (two sub-themes: Self-Awareness and Fantastic/Surreal Perceptions). Consideration of themes identified an inextricable link between perception, interpretation, and belief in ability. Within narratives, interviewees outlined, contextualised, and established the validity of their powers. They drew upon supporting autobiographical evidence from their life histories and obfuscated and/or discounted conventional explanations. Generally, accounts reflected individual attempts to comprehend and justify the nature and experience of professed abilities. The authors discuss these processes and suggest ways to extend and develop ensuing research.