The science of superstition – and why people believe in the unbelievable - Deepstash
Productivity Hacks

Learn more about personaldevelopment with this collection

How to delegate tasks efficiently

How to use technology to your advantage

How to optimize your work environment

Productivity Hacks

Discover 109 similar ideas in

It takes just

14 mins to read

What superstition is

What superstition is

Superstition can be described as the belief in supernatural forces, such as fate, to describe unpredictable factors. Psychologists found that superstition comes from the assumption that a connection exists between non-related events that coincide.

Individual beliefs and experiences drive superstitions, explaining why they are generally irrational.

91

839 reads

Positive and negative superstitions

  • Some superstitious beliefs help promote a positive mental attitude, although they can lead to irrational decisions, such as trusting in good luck and destiny rather than sound decision making.
  • Carrying charms, wearing certain clothes, preferring specific colours, and using particular numbers are elements of superstition.
  • Superstitions can also give rise to the idea that objects and places are cursed. Many buildings do not have a 13th floor. In some countries, such as Italy and Brazil, the typical unlucky number is 17.

84

556 reads

Sporting superstitions

Superstition is also prevalent within sport. It has been shown to reduce tension and provide a sense of control over unpredictable factors.

Personalized actions and behaviors include wearing lucky clothes, kit, and charms.

76

479 reads

When superstition becomes a failure to perform

While superstitions can provide reassurance and help reduce anxiety in some people, research has shown that it can also become self-reinforcing, meaning the behavior develops into a habit, and failure to perform the ritual can result in anxiety.

This is regardless of the actual outcome of a situation that is still dependent on known factors and not unknown supernatural forces.

82

487 reads

CURATED BY

bentley_a

Nothing lasts forever, not even your problems. Stay positive.

Read & Learn

20x Faster

without
deepstash

with
deepstash

with

deepstash

Access to 200,000+ ideas

Access to the mobile app

Unlimited idea saving & library

Unlimited history

Unlimited listening to ideas

Downloading & offline access

Personalized recommendations

Supercharge your mind with one idea per day

Enter your email and spend 1 minute every day to learn something new.

Email

I agree to receive email updates