The Enduring Power of Superstition: Unpacking the Psychology behind Friday the 13th
As reported by RTÉ Brainstorm, Friday the 13th is often regarded as a day of bad luck, with many people believing it to be a day of ill omen. But where does this superstition come from, and what impact does it have on our emotions and behaviour?
According to Kylie Sturgess, a tutor and researcher in Radio Broadcasting at Murdoch University, the fear of Friday the 13th, also known as Paraskevidekatriaphobia, is a phenomenon that has been studied extensively. In an article originally published by The Conversation, Sturgess notes that "one study did show a small rise in accidents on that day for women drivers in Finland, but much of the problem was due to anxiety rather than general bad luck."
The stigma against Friday the 13th is thought to have originated from a merging of two different superstitions. In the Christian tradition, the death of Jesus took place on a Friday, following the presence of 13 people at the Last Supper. In Teutonic legend, the god Loki appears at a dinner party seated for 12 gods, making him the outcast 13th at the table, leading to the death of another guest. As RTÉ Brainstorm reports, this superstition has been perpetuated through popular culture, including the "Friday the 13th" horror movie series.
Interestingly, not all cultures view the number 13 as unlucky. In Hinduism, people fast to worship Lord Shiva and Parvati on Trayodashi, the 13th day in the Hindu month. There are 13 Buddhas in the Shingon sect of Buddhism, and there is mention of a lucky 13 signs, rather than unlucky, in The Tibetan Book of the Great Liberation. In Italy, it is more likely to be "heptadecaphobia", or fear of the number 17, that leads to a change of plans.
Superstitions, such as crossing your fingers or throwing spilled salt over your shoulder, can have a powerful impact on our emotions. As The Conversation reports, these practices can be seen as a way of exerting control over our environment, and can even influence our performance in certain situations. For example, athletes often use superstitions, such as wearing lucky gear or performing rituals, to boost their confidence and gain a competitive edge.
The persistence of superstition can be attributed to a psychological concept called a "discriminative stimulus". This refers to the tendency for people to associate certain events or objects with good or bad luck, and to act accordingly. As Sturgess notes, "charms do work in a fashion. If you wear your lucky underwear and succeed enough, you will feel distress that actually impedes your performance if you’re not wearing them."
In conclusion, the fear of Friday the 13th is a complex phenomenon that is influenced by a combination of cultural, historical, and psychological factors. While there is no scientific basis for the superstition, it can still have a significant impact on our emotions and behaviour. As RTÉ Brainstorm reports, by understanding the psychology behind superstition, we can gain a deeper insight into the human experience.
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ. Kylie Sturgess is a tutor and researcher in Radio Broadcasting at Murdoch University. This article was originally published by The Conversation.
