Andrew Denovan

Manchester Metropolitan University | MMU · MMU Business School

Combat sports require participants to engage in potentially dangerous forms of contact-based competition. Pressure to succeed, coupled with the risk of severe injury can induce significant levels of anxiety, which if uncontrolled, can negatively impact performance and possibly promote unsporting conduct. The present study examined competitive anxie...

Urban planning design considers sense of place attributed to the environment because it is important to quality of life and influences citizen support for planning proposals. In this paper, the physical and geographic characteristics that increase and decrease levels of sense of place were analyzed. Mediation effects of prior expectations and belie...

This report describes and presents the raw data from Escolà-Gascón et al.’s1 remote viewing study, which extended similar experiments initiated by the American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Remote viewing is a research technique that allows scientists to examine the degree to which individuals might access “distant (or nonlocal) information” w...

Noting concerns about the non-clinical efficacy of the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), specifically the instrument's ability to discriminate between lower levels of hopelessness, this paper describes the development of the General Hopelessness Scale (GHS) for use with general samples. Following a literature review an item pool assessing the breadth...

Previous research reports a positive association between possession of mental toughness (MT) and high performance in sportspersons. However, the extent to which MT is related to playing experiences and appreciation of club environment in elite women's football has received only limited research attention. Accordingly, the present study investigated...

Objectives Since 1972, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) commissioned several research programs on remote viewing (RV) that were progressively declassified from 1995 to 2003. The main objectives of this research were to statistically replicate the original findings and address the question: What are the underlying cognitive mechanisms invo...

Since 2010 the number of psychological investigations examining relationships betweenconspiracy theory (CT) advocacy and endorsement of inaccurate material (i.e.,misinformation, disinformation, and fake/false news) has increased exponentially.However, due to the breadth of topics investigated, the diversity of approaches/methodsemployed, and the ra...

Background Chronic time pressure is a common source of everyday stress and anxiety. Noting this, the Chronic Time Pressure Inventory (CTPI) was designed to measure the construct within general samples. The CTPI was validated using procedures informed by classical test theory. This identified a bifactor solution, comprising a general factor encompas...

There's a new group of people on Earth who believe they're aliens. Star people, or starseeds, are individuals who believe they have come to Earth from other dimensions to help heal the planet and guide humanity into the "golden age"-a period of great happiness, prosperity and achievement.

Social commitment to the environment, ecological attitudes and sense of place are essential indicators for the development of public policies aimed at environmental sustainability. Natural disasters are major events that affect people's well-being and perception of their environment. The objective of this research was to test the effects and conseq...

The Revised Paranormal Belief Scale (RPBS) is the prevailing measure of supernatural credence. However, there exists only limited evidence to support the temporal stability and predictive validity of the instrument over time. Acknowledging this, the present study assessed the test–retest reliability of the RPBS using a large, heterogeneous sample a...

Awareness of the potential psychological significance of false news increased during the coronavirus pandemic, however, its impact on psychopathology and individual differences remains unclear. Acknowledging this, the authors investigated the psychological and psychopathological profiles that characterize fake news consumption. A total of 1452 volu...

This special episode contains a webinar organised by the Team to discuss their BIAL Foundation funded project 'A latent profile analysis and structural equation modelling of paranormal belief, psychopathological symptoms, and well-being' (123/2020). The project produced several published outcomes. These can be found via Google Scholar. All episod...

Theorists acknowledge that conspiracy beliefs represent an established psychological construct. The study of conspiracy beliefs is important because allied ideation potentially influences everyday attitudes and behaviors across a range of domains (i.e., cognitive, social, cross-cultural, and political psychology). In this article, we analyze the in...

By assessing interrelationships among variables within a specified theoretical framework, network analysis (NA) provides nuanced insights into how associations between psychological constructs are related to outcome measures. Noting this, the authors used NA to examine connections between Paranormal Belief, cognitive-perceptual factors (Schizotypy,...

This study investigated relationships between thin mental boundary functioning, creativity, imaginary companions (ICs), and anomalous ‘(entity) encounter experiences.’ A convenience sample of 389 respondents completed the Revised Transliminality Scale, Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences, Creative Experiences Questionnaire, Surve...

Evaluation of prior research suggests that belief in the paranormal is more likely to be associated with negative psychological functioning, when presented alongside cognitive-perceptual factors that askew thinking and insight. The current study examined this notion using a sample of 3,084 participants (1,382 males, 1,693 females, nine non-binary)....

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Ego Resiliency Scale-Revised (ER89-R). Though support exists for a multidimensional conceptualisation using classical test theory approaches (i.e., a higher-order model comprising Openness to Life Experiences and Optimal Regulation factors), this measure has not been subjected to Rasch analysis...

Despite conceptual similarities among the established non-cognitive constructs of Mental Toughness, Ego Resiliency, Self-efficacy, and Grit, preceding research typically considered these as adversary rather than complementary and potentially additive. Subsequently, comparatively few studies have examined these together. This paper, via two independ...

This study examined variations in well-being as a function of the interaction between paranormal belief and psychopathology-related constructs. A United Kingdom-based, general sample of 4,402 respondents completed self-report measures assessing paranormal belief, psychopathology (schizotypy, depression, manic experience, and depressive experience),...

The concept of sustainability is closely related to the security of the individual. The Ego Resiliency Scale Revised (ER89-R) is a brief, widely used scale that examines resilience as the ability to flexibly alter reactions in response to varying contextual demands. Consistent with contemporary evidence, the measure conceptualises ego resiliency as...

This study investigated personal perceptions (involvements) and comprehensions (interpretations) of self-ascribed paranormal abilities. Twelve participants with supposed supernatural powers took part in semi-structured interviews exploring the origin, phenomenology, and nature of their powers. Interview transcripts were analysed using reflexive the...

Subclinical sadism, characterized by infliction of cruelty, aggression, or humiliation on another for subjugation or pleasure, provides important information in the prediction of aversive behaviors that have implications for individuals’ and society’s well-being worldwide. Given sadism’s universal relevance, it is imperative that researchers ensure...

Objectives Appearance-related interventions to promote healthy behaviour have been found effective to communicate health risks. The current study aimed to explore women smokers' experiences of age-progression software showing the effects of smoking on the face. Methods A qualitative design was implemented, utilizing both individual interviews and...

This study investigated relationships between inter-class variations in paranormal experience and executive functions. A sample of 516 adults completed self-report measures assessing personal encounter-based paranormal occurrences (i.e., Experience, Practitioner Visiting, and Ability), executive functions (i.e., General Executive Function, Working...

This study examined whether scores on self-report measures of executive functions varied in accordance with level of self-professed paranormal ability. The investigators compared three groups varying in attribution of paranormal facilities: practitioners (Mediums, Psychics, Spiritualists and Fortune-Tellers), self-professed ability and no ability....

A special role in the study of personal security problems is played by the study of psychological stability and mental toughness, the development of which involves the ability of a person to focus on one occupation without dispersing their forces, the ability to bring any business started to completion, overcoming the fear of the new, an adequate a...

A special role in the study of personal security problems is played by the study of psychological stability and mental toughness, the development of which involves the ability of a person to focus on one occupation without dispersing their forces, the ability to bring any business started to completion, overcoming the fear of the new, an adequate a...

This study, using a semi-longitudinal design, explored the extent to which Dark Triad traits indirectly (through mental toughness) predicted learning styles (i.e., deep, strategic, and surface learning) and depression symptoms. First year undergraduates (N = 100 matched at two-time intervals; 17 males, 83 females; mean age = 19.02, range = 18 to 24...

The spread of COVID-19 has had a significant impact on global sport. This is especially true at the elite level, where it has disrupted training and competition. Concomitantly, restrictions have disrupted long-term event planning. Many elite athletes remain unsure when major events will occur and worry about further interruptions. Although some ath...

This study investigated the degree to which cognitive bias mediated the relationship between thinking style and belief in the paranormal. A sample of 496 participants completed the Revised Paranormal Belief Scale (RPBS), the Belief in Science Scale (BISS), the Cognitive Biases Questionnaire for Psychosis, and the reality testing subscale of the Inv...

Currently there is debate as to whether mental toughness is a unidimensional or multidimensional construct. To investigate the dimensionality of the Mental Toughness Questionnaire 48-items (MTQ48), a widely used measure of mental toughness, we examined data from a sample of 78,947 participants. A series of exploratory structural equation models (ES...

This study examined whether scores on indices related to subclinical delusion formation and thinking style varied as a function of level of self-professed paranormal ability. To assess this, the researchers compared three groups differing in personal ascription of paranormal powers: no ability, self-professed ability, and paranormal practitioners (...

This study examined the degree to which within-individual variations in paranormal experience were related to belief in the paranormal, preferential thinking style, and delusion formation. A sample of 956 non-clinical adults completed measures assessing experience-based paranormal indices (i.e., paranormal experience, paranormal practitioner visiti...

Research on narcissism supports a multifactorial structure with each factor to be multidimensional. However, studies typically assess one factor of narcissism using scales such as the Short Dark Triad (SD3). The Five-Factor Narcissism Inventory and its short form (FFNI-SF) were developed recently to account for this issue. The extent to which the F...

This opinion piece contributes significantly to the growing body of conspiracy theory research, by examining ways in which communication strategies can enhance the impact of COVID-19 related public health information and reduce the negative effects of misinformation and disinformation. Explicitly, this article considers the conditions under which C...

Twilight Tales: A Discourse of Anomalistic, Supernatural & Paranormal Phenomena The Paranormal Team This podcast involves discussions about topics related to Anomalistic Psychology and the paranormal. Available listening platforms: Anchor https://anchor.fm/paranormal-team Breaker https://www.breaker.audio/twilight-tales-a-discourse-of-anomalist...

Concerns towards public wellbeing and mental health are increasing considering the COVID-19 pandemic’s global societal and individual impact. The present study builds on the current body of COVID-19 literature by examining the role of mental toughness (MT) in predicting negative affective states (depression, anxiety and stress) during the pandemic....

In the UK, there exists an important "action gap" between Government advice on measures necessary to counter the threat of COVID-19, and the behavior of a significant minority of the population. There are several reasons for this disconnect, including lack of message potency (i.e., credibility and congruence), inflexible/habitual behavior patterns,...

Background: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is a chronic condition whose status within medicine is the subject of on-going debate. Some medical professionals regard it as a contentious illness. Others report a lack of confidence with diagnosis and management of the condition. The genesis of this paper was a complaint, made by an ME patient, about t...

This study examined whether thinking style mediated relationships between belief in conspiracy and schizotypy facets. A UK‐based sample of 421 respondents completed the Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale (GCBS), Oxford‐Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences Short (O‐Life), and measures indexing preferential thinking style (proneness to rea...

This study used a modified White Christmas task to examine reports of electronic voice phenomena (EVP) within random noise. Following familiarization with the concept of EVP, 107 participants listened to an audio track combining white and pink noise. Instructions directed participants to press a keyboard button to indicate if they heard EVP. At the...

A summary of some key studies on paranormal belief and experience.

A review of some measures of paranormal belief.

The Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale (GCBS) is the most widely used measure of general belief in conspiracy theories. The scale comprises five related but distinct factors (Government Malfeasance, Extraterrestrial Cover-up, Malevolent Global Conspiracies, Personal Wellbeing, and Control of Information). Despite this, investigators have typically...

Focusing on lucid dreaming, this paper examined relationships between dissociated experiences related to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (lucid dreaming, nightmares, and sleep paralysis), reality testing, and paranormal experiences/beliefs. The study comprised a UK-based online sample of 455 respondents (110 males, 345 females, Mean age = 34.46 year...

Non-Cognitive Skills: Brief Overview Brief Presentation

Presentation outlines a 2015 survey (UK university based sample), which investigated prevalence of subjective paranormal experiences (SPEs) and potentially related beliefs.

PROBABILISTIC REASONING BIAS, BELIEF IN THE PARANORMAL & REALITY TESTING: RESEARCH ADVANCES & DEVELOPMENTS

This presentation discusses whether belief in conspiracy theories was associated with a particularly cognitive style (worldview).

Suggestion, Belief in the Paranormal, Proneness to Reality testing deficits & Perception of an Allegedly Haunted Building

The Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences (O-LIFE) defines schizotypy as a multidimensional psychopathology construct comprising Unusual Experiences, Cognitive Disorganisation, Impulsive Nonconformity, and Introvertive Anhedonia. Previous research indicates that schizotypy is associated with various risky behaviours. Urgency (emoti...

This article outlines issues that potentially limit the usefulness of research examining relationships between dark triad traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy) and sleep-related measures. Addressing these factors will ensure that future research produces more robust, convincing findings.

A summary of a visit to the allegedly haunted- Ordsall Hall.

In Search of the Anomalous: A Paranormal Exploration of Ordsall Hall

This is a fuller draft of an abridged article that appears online at: https://theconversation.com/the-top-three-scientific-explanations-for-ghost-sightings-58259

Over the course of its history, the FIFA World Cup has witnessed a variety of unusual (and often bizarre) superstitions. These show that the significance of the tournament combined with billions across the globe watching effects even the most seasoned international players. A classic example was the French team during the 1998 finals. They performe...

This is a fuller draft of an online piece: https://theconversation.com/the-science-of-superstition-and-why-people-believe-in-the-unbelievable-97043

This article is the original more detailed/fuller draft of: https://theconversation.com/why-do-people-believe-in-curses-121385 Examines the social context and psychology of curses.

This article is the alternative draft of: https://theconversation.com/why-do-people-believe-in-curses-121385 Examines the social context and psychology of curses.

This study initially examined relationships between cognitive-perceptual aspects of personality (transliminality, delusional ideation and schizotypy) and self-report memory measures. It then assessed actual memory performance in an experimental setting using the Deese, Roediger, McDermott paradigm. All three cognitive-perceptual measures predicted...

Historical Development of the Paranormal

Previous research suggests a relationship between the Cognitive-Perceptual factor of schizotypy and belief in the paranormal (Hergovich et al. 2008). The current study explored this finding further using a boarder measure of paranormal belief (incorporating additional items on: Hauntings, Alien, and Other Life), alongside additional cognitive-perce...

The negative effects of chronic time pressure (i.e., time shortage and feelings of being rushed) are pervasive within modern society. Noting this, and the absence of an established self-report measure, the present paper developed and evaluated the Chronic Time Pressure Inventory (CTPI). Established theory informed the generation of items, resulting...

The 18-item Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ-18) is a brief, widely used measure of mental toughness. The MTQ-18 derives from the longer MTQ-48, which comprises four independent but correlated factors (Challenge, Commitment, Control and Confidence). Despite sampling items from across MTQ-48 dimensions, the MTQ-18 (as intended) provides a global,...

Student engagement is a key prognosticator of success, retention and perseverance in higher education. This study used structural equation modelling to evaluate a gain cycle of future time perspective (FTP), positive emotion and student engagement, derived from the broaden-and-build theory (BBT). A further objective was to examine changes within st...

The Belief in Science Scale (BISS) is a unidimensional measure that assesses the degree to which science is valued as a source of superior knowledge. Due to increased academic interest in the concept of belief in science, the BISS has emerged as an important measurement instrument. Noting an absence of validation evidence, the present paper, via tw...

Background: Neuroticism is associated with inflated somatic symptom reporting. Worry and rumination are a cognitive concomitant of neuroticism and potentially mediate the neuroticism-somatic complaint relationship. Aims: The present study examined the degree to which worry and rumination mediated the relationship between neuroticism and somatic...

Background: Subclinical Narcissism (SN) is part of the Dark Triad (DT), which includes also Subclinical Psychopathy (SP) and Machiavellianism. SN comprises facets retained from the clinical syndrome, such as grandiosity and dominance. Previous cross-sectional and longitudinal research indicates that SN may increase Mental Toughness (MT) resulting...

The Australian Sheep-Goat Scale (ASGS) is a commonly used measure of belief in the paranormal. The scale contains items that index extrasensory perception (ESP), psychokinesis (PK), and life after death (LAD). Although, research employs the ASGS as both a general (unidimensional) and factorial (multidimensional) measure, few studies have examined t...

Fear of crime is the level to which an individual believes they will become the victim of law breaking in daily life. Although, previous literature suggests several factors that explain levels of fearfulness, no definitive model has emerged. Additionally, there is no single preferred measure. These methodological issues limit conceptual understandi...

The reality testing dimension of the Inventory of Personality Organization, the IPO-RT, has emerged as an important index of proneness to reality testing deficits. However, to date few studies have examined the factorial structure of the IPO-RT in isolation. This is an important and necessary development because studies use the IPO-RT as a discrete...

Examining Relationships Between Conspiratorial ideation, Anomalous Beliefs & Reality Testing

Mental toughness has been associated with optimal performance across diverse contexts including academic achievement. MT is positively associated with subclinical narcissism. Cross-sectional research reported that high narcissism may contribute indirectly to enhanced positive outcomes, through MT. This study is the first to explore longitudinally t...