Understanding the Unknown: A Thematic Analysis of Subjective Paranormal Experiences

Drinkwater, Kenneth, Dagnall, Neil, Grogan, Sarah and RILEY, Victoria (2017) Understanding the Unknown: A Thematic Analysis of Subjective Paranormal Experiences. Australian Journal of Parapsychology,, 17 (1). pp. 23-46. ISSN 1445-2308

	Text Drinkwater, Dagnall, Grogan, Riley (2017) Understanding the Unknown. A Thematic Analysis of SPE FINAL.docx - AUTHOR'S ACCEPTED Version (default) Available under License All Rights Reserved. Download (43kB)
Preview	Text Drinkwater_Dagnall_Grogan_Riley_2017.pdf - Publisher's typeset copy Available under License All Rights Reserved. Download (331kB) | Preview
	Other (Permissions) Re Open Access permission for article.msg - Other Restricted to Repository staff only Available under License All Rights Reserved. Download (420kB) | Request a copy

Abstract or description

This study investigated personal accounts of subjective paranormal experiences (SPEs). Ten UK-based participants took part in semi-structured interviews, where they discussed how alleged paranormal experiences made them feel, whether the narrated event(s) was unusual/strange, and what they believed caused the occurrence(s). Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis; a qualitative method that identifies patterns within data. Five central themes emerged (sensory experiences, you are not alone, distortion of reality, personal growth, and socio-cultural factors). Consideration of themes revealed an intricate, inextricable link between perception, interpretation and belief. Generally, SPEs were associated with the desire to comprehend the unknown and a reluctance to accept the uncertain. Findings provided important insights into the phenomenology of paranormal experience, suggested avenues for future research and were consistent with previous findings.

Item Type:	Article
Faculty:	School of Life Sciences and Education > Psychology
Depositing User:	Andrew LITTLE
Date Deposited:	15 Nov 2017 13:25
Last Modified:	24 Feb 2023 13:49
URI:	https://eprints.staffs.ac.uk/id/eprint/3919

Actions (login required)

View Item