Thinking styles, schizotypal traits and anomalous experiences

This study investigated the relationship between thinking styles (rational versus intuitive), schizotypal traits, intolerance of ambiguity, self-efficacy and anomalous experiences (self-reported paranormal abilities, experiences, beliefs) in a sample of university students (N=374, 206 females and 168 males). Correlational analyses showed that the anomalous experiences were closely related to schizotypal traits and thinking styles. A cluster analysis revealed four types of thinking styles: rational (high rational and low intuitive), intuitive (high intuitive and low rational), complementary (high rational and high intuitive) and poor (low rational and low intuitive). Participants with a complementary thinking style showed higher scores on the anomalous experiences, on the cognitive–perceptual aspects of schizotypy and self-efficacy than members of the other groups. Intuitive thinkers scored highest on interpersonal aspects of schizotypy and interpersonal intolerance of ambiguity. Further research should take into account the influence of thinking processes on the underlying mechanisms of schizotypy and the paranormal.