Prevalence of Spirituality on the Mental Skills of Athletes Infatuated by Paranormal Beliefs

Abstract

This study demonstrates the presence of an existing conflict between psychological recipes and the cross-posture of traditionalist rites with Christian beliefs in the negotiation of sporting prosperity. The participants were 23 athletes, including 9 women (M ages = 23.52, SD = 5.17). Some athletes (n=12) attended a Christian church and others had no Christian beliefs (n=11). To measure mental phenomena, we used two tools, the RPBS and the OMSAT-4. The results show that there was no significant effect on psi-powers for either non-Christians or Christians (p = .095). However, precognition was higher for non-Christians than for Christians (p = .071). In contrast, higher scores reflecting greater paranormal belief among non-Christians are remarkably visible in the majority of sub-dimensions, such as Witchcraft (p < .05); Superstition (p < .00001), and Extraordinary Life Form (p < .05).  In terms of fundamental mental skills, Christians showed significantly better scores than non-Christians in Goal Setting (p < .00001) and Confidence (p= .0002). In contrast, non-Christians scored significantly higher on commitment than Christians (p < .00001).   However, among non-Christians, stress management and relaxation scores were significantly lower than among Christians.