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Exploring the limits of science and beyond: research strategy and status
Journal of Parapsychology, The, March, 1994 by J.E. Kennedy
Scientists and skeptics should be careful not to claim that beliefs are false when actually they are untestable. Efforts to suppress experiences and belief systems that cannot be scientifically tested at present may deprive individuals and society of important benefits. Furthermore, scientists may face ethical dilemmas in the application of science in cases when beliefs have beneficial effects but can be shown to be false. Taylor has summarized a wide range of research indicating that certain "illusions" are valuable in maintaining self-esteem, coping with stress, setting and achieving goals, and general mental health (Taylor, 1989; Taylor & Brown, 1988). These beneficial illusions are sometimes based on demonstrably incorrect beliefs, as well as on untestable beliefs.
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Further Research
The effects that paranormal experiences have on a person's life deserve greater attention within parapsychology. Documenting beneficial effects of possible paranormal experiences is a form of application of parapsychological phenomena that could enhance interest in, and acceptance of, the field. This point has been made by others (e.g., Blackmore, 1988; White, 1990). In addition, mind-body health is a growing social movement that is forcing the medical industry to expand its perspectives (Borysenko, 1987; Dossey, 1991; Ornish, 1990, particularly Chapter 9). This movement is very open to parapsychological phenomena, but it focuses on the health effects. At present the parapsychological literature has surprisingly little information to contribute concerning the effects of anomalous experiences on peoples' lives. If parapsychologists do not provide this type of research, it will be provided by others.
Studies of religion and health suggest that academic research with college students can give a misleading picture of the health effects of belief systems. Koenig (1990, pp. 49-50) noted in his review that "most of the studies that have demonstrated personality maladjustments with increasing religious observance have been among college students and young adults who are at a time in life characterized by instability, disorganization, and immaturity." For older adults, Koenig found that religion had a consistently positive relationship with mental health. Gartner, Larson, and Alien (1991) in their review noted a related factor:
Most studies linking religious commitment to psychopathology have employed mental health measures that we have called "soft variables," that is, paper-and-pencil personality tests which attempt to measure theoretical constructs. In contrast, most of the research linking religion to positive mental health is on "hard variables," that is, "real life" behavioral events which can be reliably observed and measured and which are unambiguous in their significance.
The lessons from research on religion and health may offer valuable guidelines for researchers investigating relationships between health and other beliefs or experiences. Of course, finding an overall positive relationship between a belief system or experience and health does not preclude the possibility that similar beliefs or experiences may be associated with mental problems for certain individuals. Researchers who overlook this possibility may be providing a serious disservice. Taylor (1989) has noted the importance of distinguishing beneficial from detrimental illusions. Likewise, several investigators have discussed characteristics that distinguish cases of healthy versus unhealthy religious or anomalous experiences (Grof & Grof, 1990; Lukoff, 1985; Margolis & Elifson, 1983), and further research is needed.
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