Arguments for Superstition

Superstitions have proved to have a calming impact, which eases believer’s ten-
sion and provides them a sense of control over their life. This might be the rea-
son of superstitions’s survival till modern day, as they have been pass from gen-
eration to generation.

According to an article appearing in the International Journal of Psychology

(1)
and Behavioural Sciences states, “Superstition has its roots in our species’
youth when our ancestors could not understand the forces and whims of [the]
natural world. Survival of our ancestors was threatened by predation or other
natural forces.”

Superstitions could really improve and enhance performance. Believers who be-
lieve in a particular superstition feel more confident because they believe these
beliefs provide them a sense of control, assurance and regularity in their lives.
Superstitions increase self-esteem and enable people to confront obstacles with
greater confidence. Superstitions help people surround themselves with like
minded people who might also follow or believe in the same superstitions
which provide them with a sense of confidence.
Superstitions provide believers with a sense of regularity and help them over-
come uncertainties, which helps believers feel less anxious. Superstitions or rit-
uals that one believer follows or believes in offers them a sense of control over
events, helping them to reduce anxiety of uncertainty or unpredictable events.
This provides them with a psychological comfort which serves as a protective
barrier as they believe that they have some control over the events.
Stuart Vyse, author of Believing in Magic: The Psychology of Superstition and
former professor of psychology at Connecticut College, explains in an inter-
view for the British Psychological Society (2): “There is evidence that positive,
luck-enhancing superstitions provide a psychological benefit that can improve
skilled performance. There is anxiety associated with the kinds of events that
bring out superstition.”
Superstition is also very common in sports, mainly in com-
petitive situations in matches. Superstitions in sports are
believed to ease tensions and provide players with a
sense of control over events which are luck based. Fa-
mous athletes also frequently act in superstitious ways,
notably, Michael Jordan, the basketball legend, hides his
fortunate North Carolina shorts beneath his Chicago Bulls
team uniform. Stuart Vyse, author of "Believing in Magic:
(3)
The Psychology of Superstition,” points out, "When we
are looking for ways to enhance our luck, we often see
connections that are not there."

"I don't believe that superstitious rituals can directly af-

fect the likelihood of a particular outcome, but they can
change the way people think and behave, which can af-
fect outcomes," says Jane Risen, associate professor of
behavioural science at the University of Chicago Booth
School of Business.
Nevertheless, there are some real benefits to superstition
despite the negatives. It can produce actual results which
are effective by using psychology rather than magic.

(1) Mandal, Fatik Baran. “Superstitions: A Culturally Transmitted Human Behavior.” International
Journal of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Scientific & Academic Publishing, ar-
ticle.sapub.org/10.5923.j.ijpbs.20180804.02.html. Accessed 19 Nov. 2023.

(2) “The Everyday Magic of Superstition.” BPS, The British Psychological Society, 12 Oct. 2016,
thepsychologist.bps.org.uk/volume-29/november-2016/everyday-magic-superstition.

(3) “The Everyday Magic of Superstition.” BPS, The British Psychological Society, 12 Oct. 2016,
thepsychologist.bps.org.uk/volume-29/november-2016/everyday-magic-superstition.