Superstitions linger in the modern era, possibly stemming from their historical role in providing protection against threats. They often center on the belief in objects, people, or situations possessing mystical powers that influence events.
Despite our presumed rationality, superstitions persist today, even among seemingly logical individuals. Erol Akçay, a theoretical biologist at the University of Pennsylvania, suggests that we all harbor some level of superstition.
A 2024 psychology study reveals that very few people entirely lack superstitious beliefs or practices. Why do we adhere to superstitions despite their irrationality? It seems they offer psychological benefits.
One such benefit is stress relief. A 2018 study from the University of Singapore found that participants given a "lucky" pen experienced reduced anxiety during stressful tasks. Similarly, invoking good luck superstitions has correlated with enhanced performance in various activities, according to a 2010 study from the University of Cologne.
Superstitious beliefs can also bolster placebo effects. A 2021 study suggests that highly superstitious individuals derive greater benefits from placebos during memory tasks. Despite their lack of magical powers, superstitions can tangibly influence outcomes through belief.
However, superstitions entail costs. Actions like avoiding ladders or tossing salt for luck require time and effort without guaranteed results. Yet, they persist due to our adaptive learning strategy, which balances the risks of false beliefs and overlooking genuine threats.
In uncertain environments, forming mistaken cause-and-effect associations can prove advantageous. But as science and technology advance, superstitions may wane as their functions are supplanted by other means.
Nevertheless, superstitions endure due to the comfort they offer and the intergenerational transmission of beliefs. As Boris Gershman, an economist at American University, suggests, these beliefs can persist through familial inheritance, even as their utility diminishes over time.
Reference: From an article By Deena Mousa (May 01.'24)
Despite our presumed rationality, superstitions persist today, even among seemingly logical individuals. Erol Akçay, a theoretical biologist at the University of Pennsylvania, suggests that we all harbor some level of superstition.
A 2024 psychology study reveals that very few people entirely lack superstitious beliefs or practices. Why do we adhere to superstitions despite their irrationality? It seems they offer psychological benefits.
One such benefit is stress relief. A 2018 study from the University of Singapore found that participants given a "lucky" pen experienced reduced anxiety during stressful tasks. Similarly, invoking good luck superstitions has correlated with enhanced performance in various activities, according to a 2010 study from the University of Cologne.
Superstitious beliefs can also bolster placebo effects. A 2021 study suggests that highly superstitious individuals derive greater benefits from placebos during memory tasks. Despite their lack of magical powers, superstitions can tangibly influence outcomes through belief.
However, superstitions entail costs. Actions like avoiding ladders or tossing salt for luck require time and effort without guaranteed results. Yet, they persist due to our adaptive learning strategy, which balances the risks of false beliefs and overlooking genuine threats.
In uncertain environments, forming mistaken cause-and-effect associations can prove advantageous. But as science and technology advance, superstitions may wane as their functions are supplanted by other means.
Nevertheless, superstitions endure due to the comfort they offer and the intergenerational transmission of beliefs. As Boris Gershman, an economist at American University, suggests, these beliefs can persist through familial inheritance, even as their utility diminishes over time.
Reference: From an article By Deena Mousa (May 01.'24)
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