Two Thirds Americans Skeptical Paranormal Beliefs Gallup Poll

Paranormal beliefs, including ghosts and witches, remain broadly met with skepticism among Americans, with none of eight tested concepts garnering a majority belief, according to a 2025 Gallup poll. While nearly half of U.S. adults believe in psychic or spiritual healing, fewer than 40% believe in ghosts, and only 40% believe in witches, showing little change from earlier years. Edy Hurst’s show "Wonderfull Discoverie of Witches in the Countie of Himself" explores personal connections to the Lancashire Witch Trials and engages with ancestral spirits, blending history and personal narrative. Historically, ghost stories have served to explain loss and connect the living with the dead, evolving from medieval views of spirits as souls with unfinished business to complex cultural and theological roles through the centuries. This enduring fascination reflects a deep human need to make sense of the unknown and maintain a connection with the past. Together, these perspectives highlight how paranormal ideas persist in popular culture despite prevalent skepticism.