The definition of a superstition is a belief that is not based on human reasons or scientific knowledge but is connected with old ideas of magic or luck.
Superstitions are repeated steps, avoiding a number because of bad luck, double tapping your pencils before a test, drinking the same blue Powerade before every softball game, wearing the same socks to every cheer competition for good luck, or avoiding the number 4 at all costs. Superstitions come in so many different ways.
They affect everyone differently. Some people feel no need to have control of stressful situations. I do. I love being in control. Always.
Superstitions are people’s brains trying to take control of situations completely out of their control. Superstitions are used as shields, a form of comfort, and help people feel less stressed.
OCD and superstition are closely connected. They are both caused by stress in which the person feels out of control. Both people who believe in superstitions and people who have OCD are more known as “control freaks”. Superstitions can also be connected with anxiety. People feel that their anxiety lessens when they take precautions, like a superstition.
I personally use superstition to lessen my stress levels. I feel more in control, less stressed and less worried about the outcome of the situation.
With superstitions being closely connected with OCD and Anxiety, superstitions can be seen as more damaging or useless rather than helpful or comforting.
The American Psychology Association did a couple studies about superstitious people. The research they found was that superstitions are 100% made up. Having these superstitions does nothing. The American Psychology Associations claims “people can say, do, wish, whatever they want but it truly makes no difference to the outcome”.
While superstitions are purely made up and just for the fun of it I believe that Superstitions are OK and maybe even a good thing. Superstitions can bring peace and comfort to people; this allows people to not worry and stress as much. This allows people to perform to the best of their abilities stress-free.
