Schizophrenia and the paranormal: More psi belief and superstition, and less déjà vu in medicated schizophrenic patients

ObjectiveThe present study examined the relation between déjà vu experiences and paranormal beliefs in schizophrenic patients.MethodsA total of 522 participants (54.5% female; mean age = 33.3, SD = 16.02) were recruited, including 422 healthy adults (60.9% female; mean age = 29.48, SD = 15.07) and 100 medicated adult schizophrenic patients (27.3% female; mean age = 48.98, SD = 8.57). The Chinese version of the Inventory of Déjà-vu Experiences Assessment was created via back translation. Chinese versions of the Revised Paranormal Belief Scale (CRPB), Beck Anxiety Inventory (CBAI), and Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS) were also used.Results and ConclusionAfter controlling for age, gender, education, and anxiety, the results supported the following three hypotheses. Schizophrenic persons have fewer déjà vu experiences than normal persons. These experiences are positively related to paranormal beliefs in healthy adults but not in schizophrenic patients. Schizophrenic patients have higher scores than healthy adults on the psi and superstitious subscales of the CRPB.