Academic Medicine Open Forum

Psychological research shows that superstitions derive from our natural propensity to assume that a connection exists between co-occurring, non-related events. For many people, engaging in superstitious behaviors provides a sense of control and reduces anxiety – which is why levels of superstition increase at times of stress and angst, particularly during times of economic crisis and social uncertainty.

I have often been surprised at the number of science-minded colleagues of mine with committed superstitions. Are you superstitious? Do you avoid walking under ladders? Do you have a lucky hat that's responsible for your team's winning streak?

Psychological research shows that superstitions derive from our natural propensity to assume that a connection exists between co-occurring, non-related events. For many people, engaging in superstitious behaviors provides a sense of control and reduces anxiety – which is why levels of superstition increase at times of stress and angst, particularly during times of economic crisis and social uncertainty.

I have often been surprised at the number of science-minded colleagues of mine with committed superstitions. Are you superstitious? Do you avoid walking under ladders? Do you have a lucky hat that's responsible for your team's winning streak?

Psychological research shows that superstitions derive from our natural propensity to assume that a connection exists between co-occurring, non-related events. For many people, engaging in superstitious behaviors provides a sense of control and reduces anxiety – which is why levels of superstition increase at times of stress and angst, particularly during times of economic crisis and social uncertainty.

I have often been surprised at the number of science-minded colleagues of mine with committed superstitions. Are you superstitious? Do you avoid walking under ladders? Do you have a lucky hat that's responsible for your team's winning streak?

Psychological research shows that superstitions derive from our natural propensity to assume that a connection exists between co-occurring, non-related events. For many people, engaging in superstitious behaviors provides a sense of control and reduces anxiety – which is why levels of superstition increase at times of stress and angst, particularly during times of economic crisis and social uncertainty.

I have often been surprised at the number of science-minded colleagues of mine with committed superstitions. Are you superstitious? Do you avoid walking under ladders? Do you have a lucky hat that's responsible for your team's winning streak?