It’s spooky season – and over half of Americans believe in the paranormal

According to Ethos’ research based on 1,000+ Americans’ attitudes about life, death, and other spooky topics, 56% believe in the paranormal – including spirits, ghosts, vampires, and zombies. A surprising amount (35%) believe in ghosts while only 7% believe in vampires and another 6% believe in zombies. Interestingly, women tend to believe in each of these things more than men do.

A total of three in five (60%) Americans believe in Heaven and/or Hell, including 67% of women and 54% of men. Over half (53%) instead believe in living on through the memories of people we loved. Separately, over a quarter (27%) believe in reincarnation. 

A surprising number of people are interested in non-traditional ways of handling their remains after death – 54%! By generation, Boomers are least interested in non-traditional ways to handle their remains. 61% would only go with a traditional option, compared to 34% of Gen Z, 36% of Millennials, and 45% of Gen X who say they’d only go with a traditional option. 

Of the “out there” options, the most popular is being composted to give back to the earth, which 20% of Americans would consider. Additionally, 18% of women  would be interested in being compressed into a diamond, and 12% of men would be interested in burial at sea or a “Viking funeral.” 

Whatever your beliefs are, make sure you’re prepared for the unthinkable. Enjoy the Halloween season, folks!