“Don’t walk under the ladder, it’s bad luck”, “Knock on wood.” Do these phrases sound
familiar? If so, you’re aware of superstitions and may or may not believe in them. There is no exact definition for superstition because it is a highly contested topic. However, according to Oxford languages, superstition is a widely held but unjustified belief in supernatural causation leading to certain consequences of an action, event, or practice. For many, engaging with superstitious behaviors provides a sense of control and reduces anxiety,which is why levels of superstition increase during times of stress and angst relief. Although it may not seem like it, we sometimes unintentionally incorporate superstitions into our everyday lives . For some people, engaging with superstitious behaviors gives them a sense of control and reduces anxiety, which is why levels of superstition increase at times of stress and fear and why I strongly believe that superstitions exist and include many benefits.
Although most people apprehend that superstitious behaviors are not likely to change fate, harboring unfounded ideals isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds. In fact, superstitions are common and may also help with relieving stress in times of distress. Superstitions allow us to position ourselves away from ourselves and our anxieties. The general public indulges in magical wondering regardless of what is going on in the world. A 2015 60 Minutes/Vanity Fair ballot discovered that only 24 percent of respondents pronounced being superstitious, but 60 percent admitted they say “knock on wood.”
There are many more benefits to superstitious beliefs than originally believed. Superstition can serve as a coping mechanism for many human beings. Relieving our apprehensions with delusion can be a psychological defense. Many common superstitions around the world prove this theory. Superstition is highly widespread within sports in highly competitive environments. Four out of five professional athletes have engaged with at least one superstitious behavior prior to performance.Within sports, superstitions have been displayed to decrease tension and offer a sense of control over unpredictable factors. Additionally, athletes use superstitions to relieve stress and provide themselves with comfort, motivating them to strive to do their best because superstition acts as a psychological defense tool. An example of this is baseball player Larry Walker, The national League MVP in 1997 who was elected to five all-star games.
But what caused this success? According to Walker, this is thanks to his fixation with the number three. He wore the number 33 for his entire career, would only wake up at 33 past the hour, and much more. Walker even got married on November 3rd at 3:33pm. His actions refer to the previous definition of superstition, which is a widely held but unjustified belief in supernatural causation leading to certain consequences of an action or event, or practice based on such. Walker displays the common behavior of someone who strongly believes in superstition, which has since done nothing but provide him with comfort, relief from anxiety, and success. Aside from Walker’s beliefs, many superstitions are used in everyday life. In conclusion, superstitions are subjective to every person based upon their beliefs, experiences, and conclusive feelings. Superstitions are a highly debatable topic. However, I believe in them and you should as well. I strongly believe superstitions are real and serve a great benefit to those who believe in them. Whether it’s in sports, times of fear or worry, or just out of a simple habit, superstitions are a psychological defense mechanism that is used to ease the feeling of anxiety and worry. The many benefits of superstitions are well worth giving them a shot.