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Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, Vol. 32, No. 2, 174-187 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/0146167205280251
© 2006 Society for Personality and Social Psychology, Inc.

Belief in Supernatural Agents in the Face of Death

Ara Norenzayan

University of British Columbia, ara{at}psych.ubc.ca

Ian G. Hansen

University of British Columbia

Four studies examined whether awareness of mortality intensifies belief in supernatural agents among North Americans. In Studies 1 and 2, mortality salience led to more religiosity, stronger belief in God, and in divine intervention. In Studies 3 and 4, mortality salience increased supernatural agent beliefs even when supernatural agency was presented in a culturally alien context (divine Buddha in Study 3, Shamanic spirits in Study 4). The latter effects occurred primarily among the religiously affiliated, who were predominantly Christian. Implications for the role of supernatural agent beliefs in assuaging mortality concerns are discussed.

Key Words: religion • supernatural agents • mortality salience • culture • existential concerns


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