426. The psychology of superstition

2026-06-08 · 46 min · 25 entities

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→ references Everyday Magic Superstition person

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Link in episode "426. The psychology of superstition": https://bps.org.uk/psychologist/everyday-magic-superstition
→ references Magical Thinking In Obsessivecompulsive Disorder And Generalized Anxiety Disorder website

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evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "426. The psychology of superstition": https://cambridge.org/core/journals/behavioural-and-cognitive-psychotherapy/article/abs/magical-thinking-in-obsessivecompulsive-disorder-and-generalized-anxiety-disorder/AAA4404A26637024E2E5D01B3F133928

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concepts 17

mentioned Society & Culture concept

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Feed category: Society & Culture
mentioned Education concept

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Feed category: Education
mentioned Science concept

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mentioned Health & Fitness concept

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Health & Fitness
mentioned Self-Improvement concept

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Self-Improvement
mentioned Social Sciences concept

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Social Sciences
mentioned Relationships concept

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mentioned Fitness concept

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discusses Society & Culture concept

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Society & Culture
discusses Education concept

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Education
discusses Science concept

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Science
discusses Health & Fitness concept

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Health & Fitness
discusses Self-Improvement concept

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Self-Improvement
discusses Social Sciences concept

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Social Sciences
discusses Relationships concept

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Relationships
discusses Fitness concept

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Fitness
discusses How To concept

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Feed category: How To

persons 4

mentioned Mental Health person

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Feed category: Mental Health
mentioned Everyday Magic Superstition person

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evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "426. The psychology of superstition": https://bps.org.uk/psychologist/everyday-magic-superstition
discusses Mental Health person

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evidence rules-v5
Feed category: Mental Health
references Everyday Magic Superstition person

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Link in episode "426. The psychology of superstition": https://bps.org.uk/psychologist/everyday-magic-superstition

companys 2

mentioned iHeartPodcasts company

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Feed author/publisher: iHeartPodcasts
hosted by iHeartPodcasts company

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Feed author/publisher: iHeartPodcasts

websites 2

mentioned Magical Thinking In Obsessivecompulsive Disorder And Generalized Anxiety Disorder website

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evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "426. The psychology of superstition": https://cambridge.org/core/journals/behavioural-and-cognitive-psychotherapy/article/abs/magical-thinking-in-obsessivecompulsive-disorder-and-generalized-anxiety-disorder/AAA4404A26637024E2E5D01B3F133928
references Magical Thinking In Obsessivecompulsive Disorder And Generalized Anxiety Disorder website

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evidence rules-v5
Link in episode "426. The psychology of superstition": https://cambridge.org/core/journals/behavioural-and-cognitive-psychotherapy/article/abs/magical-thinking-in-obsessivecompulsive-disorder-and-generalized-anxiety-disorder/AAA4404A26637024E2E5D01B3F133928

Episode description as stored

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.