Can We Trust 'Psychics' & Why Does It Matter?

People have long been fascinated by psychics and their claimed ability to predict the future or reveal hidden truths. That there is a social media explosion of purported psychics is irrefutable, and reflects a high demand for their services.

But should we trust psychics? What drives individuals to seek their guidance despite a lack of scientific proof?

This post explores the psychological and existential drivers that lead people to consult psychics, examines scientific evidence, considers insights from existential psychotherapy, and concludes with Carl Jung’s interesting interpretation of psychic abilities.

Why Do People Consult Psychics?

Many people turn to psychics during times of uncertainty, stress, or emotional turmoil. The reasons often go beyond mere curiosity and include:

• Seeking control: Life’s unpredictability can feel overwhelming. Consulting a psychic offers a sense of control or reassurance about the future and what that might look like.

• Desire for meaning: People want to understand their life’s purpose or find answers to the difficult questions they struggle to resolve conventionally.

• Comfort in connection: Psychics may provide a feeling of connection to something greater, such as the spiritual world or deceased loved ones.

• Hope for guidance: When facing tough decisions, psychic readings can feel like a source of insight, advice or guidance as to future events.

  
  

It is important to realise that these motivations reflect deep psychological needs that go beyond a simple belief in the supernatural.

What Does Psychology Tell Us?

Beyond the generalities, presented above, psychologists suggest that there are several specific reasons why people put their trust in psychics:

• Cognitive biases: Humans tend to notice hits and ignore misses in psychic predictions, reinforcing belief.

• Confirmation bias: People remember accurate statements and forget vague or incorrect ones.

• Barnum effect: Psychics often use general statements that seem personal but are generic in nature.

• Emotional vulnerability: Stress or grief can increase openness to psychic claims as a coping mechanism.

• Social influence: Friends or family who believe in psychics can encourage others to try readings.

  
  

These factors create a fertile ground for psychics to operate in, especially when people face significant emotional challenges and are unsure of the way ahead.

Existential Psychotherapy and the Existential Vacuum

Existential psychotherapy offers a unique framework that explains, in broad terms, why people consult psychics. It focuses on the human search for meaning in a world that can feel chaotic or indifferent.

Viktor Frankl, the Founder of The Third Viennese School of Psychotherapy (Logotherapy and Existential Analysis), described the existential vacuum — a sense of emptiness and meaninglessness - that is a common human experience.

When people feel this vacuum, they may turn to psychics to fill the void with 'answers' to important life questions, or to uncover a greater sense of purpose. The psychic’s guidance can temporarily alleviate feelings of isolation and uncertainty by providing a narrative that is perceived to make sense.

The elephant in the room, however, is that false reassurances can, and do, lead to a greater existential vacuum and further psychological strain. In that scenario, it may appear that there is even less solid ground upon which we build a meaningful present and a purposeful future. Thus, the psychic and their demonstrably false claims, represent a malevolent force that exacerbates emotional instability, impedes personal growth, and deflects from the quest for meaning.

That is why scientific investigation of psychic abilities, or lack thereof, are important.

Scientific Evidence on Psychic Claims

Scientific studies have repeatedly tested psychic abilities under controlled conditions. The results have consistently failed to provide reliable evidence supporting psychic phenomena such as clairvoyance, telepathy, or precognition.

In controlled experiments, tests of psychic predictions often show results no better than chance, and even if there are seemingly 'positive' findings, they rarely replicate in independent follow up studies. Moreover, any 'accurate' readings can be explained by cold reading techniques or cognitive biases.

While some individuals report meaningful experiences with psychics, these are best understood as subjective rather than objective proof of psychic powers.

Carl Jung’s View on Psychic Abilities

Carl Jung, the famous psychologist, took a more open stance toward psychic phenomena. He introduced the concept of synchronicity, describing meaningful coincidences that are not causally related but hold personal significance.

He posited that there are occasions where inner psychic states are reflected in outer physical events through shared meaning, like a dream image appearing in reality. For example, it is not uncommon for people to dream about a person who is important to them, and for that connection to be expressed in a real life scenario.

Jung believed that psychic experiences might reflect unconscious processes or archetypal patterns within the collective unconscious. He did not claim that psychics had supernatural powers but suggested that psychic phenomena could be expressions of deeper psychological realities.

In essence, Jung's perspective encourages the view that psychic experiences are symbolic rather than literal predictions of the future.

Finally...

Understanding why people seek out psychics provides insight into why they remain popular despite the lack of scientific proof. It also highlights the importance of addressing the underlying emotional and existential needs that drive people toward psychic consultations.

In that respect it is clear that psychics are a reflection of the reality that humans look for ways to navigate uncertainty, seek meaning, and find emotional comfort. Life is inherently unpredictable and the ways in which we deal with that reality is a core question; it confronts each and every one of us.

Whilst the lure of the psychic is heightened in times of emotional vulnerability, their input runs the very real risk of destabilising an already fragile psyche and enhancing anxiety.

So, if you are considering consulting a psychic, which is of course your personal choice, it is worth reflecting on what you hope to gain and whether other sources of support, such as therapy or trusted friends, might better meet your needs.

Exploring your own search for meaning in the context of a safe therapeutic environment can be a powerful and evidenced-based step toward greater clarity and peace.

Logotherapy and Existential Analysis, for example, provides a framework around which we can approach uncertainty and adversity in a purposeful way.