The Psychology of Superstition: Understanding the Mind behind the Myth

Written by: Goyal Naina (24-A2)

Designed by: Jessica Jolie (24-I3)

Superstition has been a part of human culture for centuries, shaping behaviours, rituals, and beliefs across different societies. A superstition is a widely held but irrational belief in supernatural influences, especially relating to good or bad luck, or a practice based on such a belief. From avoiding walking under ladders to knocking on wood, superstitions are omnipresent in our lives, often influencing our decisions in subtle yet profound ways. But what drives these seemingly irrational beliefs? The psychology of superstition offers a fascinating glimpse into the human mind, revealing how cognitive biases, cultural influences, and evolutionary factors contribute to the persistence of superstitions.To their core, humans are not rational beings. The human brain will stop at nothing to justify their cognitive biases, which are systematic patterns of deviation from rationality in judgement. Have you ever met someone who carried a lucky penny around, or an athlete who had certain pre- game rituals they religiously adhered to? These types of superstitions present people with the illusion of control. It helps individuals believe that they can influence outcomes, reducing anxiety while offering psychological comfort. These rituals, while not causally linked to success, provide a sense of preparedness.

To their core, humans are not rational beings. The human brain will stop at nothing to justify their cognitive biases, which are systematic patterns of deviation from rationality in judgement. Have you ever met someone who carried a lucky penny around, or an athlete who had certain pre- game rituals they religiously adhered to? These types of superstitions present people with the illusion of control. It helps individuals believe that they can influence outcomes, reducing anxiety while offering psychological comfort. These rituals, while not causally linked to success, provide a sense of preparedness.

Pattern recognition is another important cognitive bias that permeates human thought. The brain's wiring allows it to recognize patterns and draw connections, even in the absence of any. This tendency, known as apophenia, can lead to the formation of superstitious beliefs. For instance, two unconnected events, such as if someone wore a certain shirt and had a fantastic day, then they would typically associate this shirt with good luck. 

 Confirmation bias also plays a significant role in sustaining superstitions. People tend to seek out and remember information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs while ignoring evidence that may contradict or go against them. This selective perception reinforces superstitions, making them resistant to change. For example, if someone believes in the bad luck of Friday the 13th, they are more likely to notice and remember negative events that occur on that day, which would further entrench their belief. People like to feel good about themselves, so in the interest of preserving their own self esteems, they choose to dismiss evidence that may prove them wrong.

Superstitions are intricately woven into social and cultural settings; they are not merely isolated occurrences. They frequently reflect the collective psyche of a community, and are the result of historical and sociological factors. For instance, the concept that the number 13 is bad is prevalent in many Western cultures, and has its roots in old religious and mythical customs, namely the belief that Judas was the 13th dinner guest at the Last Supper, and since he betrayed Jesus, it is deemed ill fated. On the other hand, because the number 8 sounds similar to the word for prosperity or money, it is considered lucky in some Asian societies, where decorations pertaining to the number adorns houses during festive times. 

Superstitions also serve as a type of coping mechanism, in response to uncertainties. People may view superstitions as a way to regain a sense of stability and control. Superstitions spread culturally through social learning, in which people take up customs and beliefs from their peers, family, and community. The rituals and customs associated with significant life events, like marriages, births, and funerals, are especially indicative of this process. These folktales frequently contribute to the maintenance of social ties as well as a common sense of continuity and identity.

Superstition can be understood as a result of adaptive cognitive processes from an evolutionary perspective. The world that our ancestors lived in was full of dangers and uncertainties, so those who were more adept at recognising patterns and making connections had a distinct survival advantage. The potential benefits of avoiding danger outweighed the cost of making mistakes, such as misinterpreting the rustling of a bush for a predator, even if some of these associations turn out to be false positives. Despite its benefits, this tendency to see patterns also created the foundation for superstitious beliefs. Early humans had to take every opportunity they had to stay safe. Small things that  seem trivial now used to be  considered gifts from higher beings, such as coins. Finding a penny in ancient times was considered a present from a god that favoured you, and hence birthed the superstition of lucky pennies. 

Additionally, superstitions  have served as social glue in early human communities. Shared beliefs and rituals could foster group cohesion and cooperation. One such superstition is the evil eye, which, according to some can cause harm by a mere envious glance at coveted objects or their owners. This has brought together communities that share the same belief in helping to protect each other. For example, participating in communal rituals like religious ceremonies or cultural festivals reinforces a sense of community and shared purpose.

Superstitions can also present real benefits. Believing in good luck or the power of a lucky charm can boost confidence and optimism, leading to improved performance in one's daily life. This is commonly known as the placebo effect, where belief in the efficacy of a practice or object leads to real psychological or physiological benefits. Studies have shown that individuals who believe in their superstitions are more likely to experience more positive outcomes, not because of the superstition itself, but due to the increased motivation and confidence it generates. For example, you have probably met someone who carries around a talisman of sorts, believing it brings them protection and good luck. While there is no actual research or evidence to support the claim that an object can offer this sort of luck, the feeling of protection that this item brings gives the person enough confidence to go about their day without any qualms.

However, while superstitions can provide psychological comfort and social benefits, they can also have negative consequences. One significant drawback is the potential for maladaptive behaviour, which are behaviours that hinder one from coping with or adapting to situations or stressors in healthy ways. Relying on superstitions can lead to poor decision-making and avoiding rational problem-solving solutions. For instance, individuals who rely heavily on superstitious beliefs may neglect evidence-based approaches to dealing with health issues, opting for unproven remedies instead of going to clinics to get professionally checked, which can have detrimental effects on one's health. In history, a fever was thought to have been induced by the devil, and hence the only cure seemed to be an exorcism. While this is clearly no longer the case, old wives tales of cures for various ailments are still widely used around the world.

Superstitions can also contribute to social exclusion and discrimination. Certain superstitious beliefs can stigmatise individuals or groups, leading to marginalisation and prejudice. This is evident in historical and contemporary contexts, where superstitions about witchcraft or bad luck have been used to justify persecution and discrimination against specific communities. A significant example is the Salem Witch Trials from 1692-1693, where over 200 women were accused of being witches based on superstitious beliefs of the communities at the time, which led to them being executed.

Furthermore, being overdependent on superstitions can impede one's own development. People may lose their feeling of agency and accountability when they credit or blame outside superstitions for their achievements or failures. This external locus of control might hinder personal development because people might not realise how crucial their abilities and efforts are to reaching their objectives. By taking what may be considered the easy way out, many people blame external circumstances, such as their “luck” for their hardships, and thus take no ownership or accountability for their problems, and take no tangible steps to fix them.

In conclusion, the psychology of superstition reveals a complex interplay of cognitive, cultural, and evolutionary factors that contribute to the persistence of these beliefs. While superstitions may seem irrational, they fulfil important psychological and social functions, offering comfort, reducing anxiety, and fostering social cohesion. However, it is crucial to recognize the potential drawbacks of superstitious thinking and strive for a balanced approach that acknowledges both the benefits and limitations of these beliefs.

Understanding the psychology behind superstition not only sheds light on human behaviour but also highlights the importance of critical thinking and rational decision-making. By examining the roots and functions of superstition, we can better appreciate the nuances of human cognition and the ways in which our minds navigate the uncertainties of life.