426. The psychology of superstition
From The Psychology of your 20s by iHeartPodcasts
June 8, 2026 · 46 min
About this episode
This episode explores the psychology behind superstitions and their role in providing comfort and control in uncertain times.
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: …
People in this episode
Host: Jemma
Topics covered
- superstition
- psychology
- anxiety
- rituals
- magical thinking
- meaning
Keywords
- superstitions
- psychology
- anxiety
- rituals
- magical thinking
- pattern recognition
- self-fulfilling prophecies
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: iHeartPodcasts, BPS, SAGE Journals, Cambridge University Press
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