# 426. The psychology of superstition

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-psychology-of-your-20s-4434262/426-the-psychology-of-superstition
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-psychology-of-your-20s-4434262/426-the-psychology-of-superstition.md
Podcast: [The Psychology of your 20s](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-psychology-of-your-20s-4434262)
Published: 2026-06-08T16:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://omny.fm/shows/the-psychology-of-your-20-s/426-the-psychology-of-superstition
Audio file: https://pdrl.fm/f842d9/podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/traffic.omny.fm/d/clips/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/bc44988a-a82a-4291-ab8b-afdd01187fa8/6e51ecb1-f316-4ddd-80f3-b45f00741957/audio.mp3?utm_source=Podcast&in_playlist=39e2f432-53df-43b8-a7b9-afdd01187fc4
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-psychology-of-your-20s-4434262/episodes/426-the-psychology-of-superstition
Duration seconds: 2775

## Resource

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.

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## Transcript

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