This lecture by Assistant Professor of Psychology Julia Langdal-Sittu will examine personality, paranormal beliefs, and fandom. In modern society, those who believe in the paranormal are often dismissed as ridiculous, silly, and even “crazy.” Paranormal phenomena are for fictional stories on the page and screen, not real life. This research does not attempt to prove the existence of paranormal phenomena; this is impossible. The researchers were considered personality traits of those fascinated by the paranormal, especially those who are also fans of the science-fiction and fantasy genres. This study examined relationships between personality traits, preference for science fiction or fantasy, and belief in paranormal phenomena. There is little research on the personality traits and preferences of individuals who consider themselves sci-fi or fantasy enthusiasts, but anecdotally, there is a stereotype that sci-fi fans tend to be more oriented towards science, technology, and related fields than fantasy fans. The literature on paranormal beliefs suggests that believers tend to be more interested in fantasy than cold hard logic. This research investigated associations between paranormal beliefs and sci-fi/fantasy preferences and the personality traits of sci-fi and fantasy fans.
The Bergren Forum, sponsored by the Division of Human Studies and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, runs from 12:15 to 1:10 p.m. on Thursdays in Nevins Theatre, Powell Campus Center and by Zoom. Bring a brown bag lunch if you wish. Coffee and tea will be provided. For further information contact or a calendar invite with the Zoom link, contact John D’Angelo at [email protected].
