The Psychology of Superstitions: Seeking Control in Uncertainty

Superstitions, it seems, are woven into the very fabric of our lives, persisting even among those who recognize their irrationality.

Take former New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, for instance, who decorates his helicopter with images of three white rabbits, a nod to his peculiar ritual of reciting “white rabbits” thrice each month.

In the realm of sports, tennis phenom Rafael Nadal engages in an elaborate pre-serve routine, adjusting his shirt and tucking his hair with meticulous care.

Meanwhile, stars like Taylor Swift and Rihanna embrace their own peculiarities; Swift marks “13” on her hand, believing it brings positive energy, while Rihanna famously banishes the color yellow from her dressing area.

Exploring Common Superstitions

Chances are that many people harbor their own superstitions.

They might cling to a beloved lucky number, steer clear of black cats, or avoid opening umbrellas indoors.

These beliefs infiltrate our daily routines, manifesting in even the simplest gestures—like uttering “bless you” after a sneeze or knocking on wood for good fortune.

Such tendencies invite exploration into the psychological mechanisms that underpin our adherence to these beliefs, prompting us to ask: why are we so inclined to invest in the notion that superstitions could influence our luck?

From the earliest stages of life, people begin to grasp the links between their actions and the outcomes that follow.

Infants as young as four months recognize that their movements—like kicking or shaking—elicit responses such as rattles or the shift of a crib.

As they grow, their understanding of cause and effect deepens, leading to a more sophisticated inquiry into the world around them.

This heightened awareness plays a critical role in various developmental milestones, enhancing skills related to imaginative play, strategic planning, emotional regulation, and social cooperation.

Yet, this same sensitivity to causality may also sow the seeds of superstitious beliefs.

The Role of Coincidence

Our perception of cause and effect often stems from personal experiences.

When specific behaviors consistently lead to particular outcomes, people tend to reinforce those actions.

But what happens when an outcome is purely coincidental? Imagine a scenario in which someone wears their lucky socks while their favorite sports team triumphs.

Though these events might coincide, it’s unlikely that the choice of socks influenced the victory.

Nevertheless, repeated occurrences can solidify a superstition associated with those socks.

This observation suggests that superstitions can thrive in the gaps of our understanding, where distinguishing genuine causation from mere coincidence becomes challenging.

So, does empirical evidence support this idea?

To delve deeper into the origins of superstitious behavior, a study was conducted with 371 undergraduate participants from a prominent New Zealand university.

Each participant engaged in a game designed to determine whether their actions could influence the outcome or if they were subject to a completely unrelated fate.

Crucially, participants were not informed about the nature of the relationship between their actions and the outcomes—ensuring their responses relied solely on actual experiences rather than preconceived beliefs.

The findings were revealing: approximately 80 percent of the time, people accurately identified when their actions caused an outcome and when they did not.

Understanding Psychological Mechanisms

However, the line between causing an outcome and lacking influence is often blurred, leading to moments of uncertainty.

In these instances, many leaned toward attributing successes to their own actions—a tendency particularly pronounced when positive outcomes were at play.

This inclination offers a compelling perspective on the persistence of superstitious behavior.

Even in the absence of certainty, the desire to connect personal actions to results can act as a catalyst for superstition.

At first glance, it may seem irrational to engage in behaviors we know to be ineffective.

Yet, the drive for self-attribution serves an important purpose: it heightens our awareness of potential links between our actions and their consequences, embodying a “better safe than sorry” mentality.

Moreover, indulging in superstitious practices may bolster a sense of agency.

These rituals can enhance confidence, alleviate anxiety, and improve performance across various tasks, contributing positively to our psychological well-being.

In this way, the act of attributing success to personal efforts—even amid uncertainty—can cultivate a healthier self-image.

In essence, while we might intellectually grasp the lack of a rational foundation for superstitions, human psychology often compels us to uphold beliefs that enhance our confidence and sense of control in a world filled with unpredictability.

Study Details:

• Authors: Stephanie Gomes-Ng, Sarah Cowie
• Study Title: When is a causal illusion an illusion? Separating discriminability and bias in human contingency judgements
• Journal: Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology
• Publication Date: November 21, 2024
• DOI: 10.1177/17470218241293418