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426. The psychology of superstition
Description
Superstitions can seem irrational on the surface, but beneath them is something incredibly human - the need for meaning, comfort, and a sense of control in an uncertain world. In this episode, we explore the psychology of superstition - why the mind creates these beliefs, why they can feel so reassuring, and what they reveal about anxiety, ritual, hope, and the stories we inherit.
We explore:
• Historical origins of common superstitions
• The role of pattern recognition and gut feelings
• How rituals soothe anxiety and create a sense of certainty
• When superstitions become self-fulfilling and shape performance
• How magical thinking overlaps with OCD and anxiety
• Why it's important to create our own magic in our 20s
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Our favourite sources:
https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/everyday-magic-superstition
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797610372631
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