Gender Differences in Paranormal Belief

Abstract

This paper aims to review evidence for the existence of a gender difference in belief in paranormal phenomena. Women are typically found to be more likely to endorse belief in paranormal concepts than are men. The gender difference has been found in various countries, and across various measures, although the use of Tobacyk and Milford’s Paranormal Belief Scale is extremely common. Factors underlying the gender difference are not clear. However, gender differences in both thinking style and coping style are explored as potential origins. If there is indeed a genuine connection between coping, gender, and paranormal belief, this may have relevance to health outcomes. Additionally, research in this area may prove to be valuable to research investigating why and how people come to form both paranormal and non-paranormal beliefs.