People's beliefs about the occult

Abstract

Introduction: Beliefs can help in a better understanding of a person and culture. More specifically, occult beliefs and practices compensate for certain psychological needs, the person might have. Aims: The aim of this study is to assess what Maltese people believe about the occult, more specifically witchcraft, demonology and spiritism. Any relationship between these beliefs with media, music and personality characteristics were also taken account of. Method: A quantitative approach was used. The participants (N = 150), aged between 18 to 64 years, had to fill in a questionnaire regarding various aspects of the occult. A part of the questionnaire's structure was based on the PBS-R. The occult topic was divided into seven different subsets which are: parapsychology, witchcraft, demonology, spiritism, other types of occult, church's beliefs and occult in Malta. Results: The means which were consistently higher throughout the results were those of occult in Malta and demonology sectors, showing that people believe in them most. Discussion: A pattern emerged in what the population believe about the occult. Particular media programmes, music preferences and certain personality characteristics, such as suggestibility and curiosity, showed to be influential on beliefs in the occult. Conclusion: Other interesting points, about the Maltese culture emerged. Among which were religiosity related issues.