Search Here

In addition to its other pros and cons, some experts posit that believing superstitions can affect a person's mental well-being.

Whenever it's Friday the 13th, many people worldwide avoid their regular routines due to fear of bad luck. Airlines, airports, and buildings often omit the number 13. Over 80% of high-rises lack a 13th floor, and some hotels and hospitals skip room 13.

In the US and globally, billions are superstitious, with a quarter of US adults and 70 percent of students using charms. Chinese culture values red and the number 8 for luck, while Taiwanese shoppers pay more for "luckier" items. Despite knowing these beliefs are irrational, people still follow them. This raises questions about the psychological role of superstitions and their impact on mental well-being.

The Cons: Irrationality and "Acquiescence"

Superstitions are intriguing because people often believe in them despite knowing they're untrue. Jane Risen, a behavioral science professor at the University of Chicago Booth, employs the dual process model of cognition to explain this paradox. This model posits that humans can think both intuitively and rationally.

While rational thinking should correct errors, Risen suggests that people can recognize a superstition's irrationality but still act on it, a phenomenon she terms "acquiescence." This perspective challenges the traditional view of error detection leading to correction. Understanding these cognitive nuances sheds light on how superstitions persist despite our rational understanding of them.

Superstitions, however, aren't solely negative; they can provide psychological benefits. Understanding the complexities of how superstitions interact with our cognition sheds light on the intricacies of human behavior and decision-making.

The Pros: Ease From Anxiety and Safety

Superstitions can offer a sense of comfort and control, easing anxiety about the unknown. Passed down through generations, they stem from the ancestors' struggle to comprehend nature's forces. According to the International Journal of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, superstitions evolved to provide a false sense of control and reduce anxiety, thriving in times of insecurity.