Podcasts · The Psychology of your 20s
426. The psychology of superstition
· 46 min
Episode 426. The psychology of superstition
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
Watch on Netflix: HERE
Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast
Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s
For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com
Our favourite sources: https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/everyday-magic-superstition
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797610372631
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/behavioural-and-cognitive-psychotherapy/article/abs/magical-thinking-in-obsessivecompulsive-disorder-and-generalized-anxiety-disorder/AAA4404A26637024E2E5D01B3F133928
The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Links in the notes 8
- https://netflix.com/thepsychologyofyour20s
- https://www.instagram.com/jemmasbeg/?hl=en#
- https://www.instagram.com/thatpsychologypodcast/?hl=en#
- https://substack.com/@thepsychologyofyour20s
- https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/everyday-magic-superstition
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797610372631
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/behavioural-and-cognitive-psychotherapy/article/abs/magical-thinking-in-obsessivecompulsive-disorder-and-generalized-anxiety-disorder/AAA4404A26637024E2E5D01B3F133928
- https://omnystudio.com/listener
Transcript
Shows are listed from Apple Podcasts' charts and directory, and Podcast Index where it is used. Every show and episode belongs to its publisher and plays from the publisher's own feed; this site hosts none of them. Explicit shows are for adult profiles only, and children’s profiles hear only children’s shows. More about this list.