A psychologist has identified three factors that make paranormal experiences, such as seeing ghosts, more likely for some people. The analysis, published by Live Science, draws on cognitive science and individual differences in perception.
Cognitive style plays a central role: people who tend to rely on intuition rather than analytical thinking are more prone to interpreting ambiguous stimuli as supernatural. Emotional state also matters — those experiencing grief or stress may be more attuned to perceived paranormal signals.
The third factor involves perceptual sensitivity. Individuals with a heightened tendency to sense patterns or agency in random noise, a trait known as apophenia, may be more likely to report ghostly encounters. These factors can combine, making certain people more wired for such experiences.
Critics caution that the research field is still emerging and that cultural and social influences are also significant. The psychologist notes these findings are not definitive explanations but rather a framework for understanding individual variation.
No single factor guarantees a paranormal experience, and skeptics argue that many reports can be explained by known psychological or environmental mechanisms. The discussion remains open as more studies explore the intersection of mind, perception, and belief.