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Abstract

This two-part study used Rotter's Social Learning Theory as a framework for comparing university students from Poland and from the Southern United States on (a) four belief-based personality constructs: paranormal beliefs, locus of control, irrational beliefs, and social interest; and (b) personality correlates of paranormal beliefs. Both Poles and Americans reported high levels of traditional religious belief, as well as disbelief in superstition, spiritualism, and witchcraft. As hypothesized, the Poles reported a significantly more external locus of control and significantly greater endorsement of irrational beliefs. Also consistent with hypotheses, for the Poles paranormal beliefs showed 10 significant personality correlates, whereas for the Americans only one relationship was significant. These findings are consistent with the notion that within the Polish sociocultural situation, fundamental political and ideological conflicts between the government and the Roman Catholic Church may have optimized personal involvement in choosing beliefs and values, resulting in more central, personally involving, and self-relevant beliefs. In turn, these belief characteristics may result in more significant personality correlates of paranormal beliefs for Poles.

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Comparisons of Belief-Based Personality Constructs in Polish and American University Students

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