Stressed people are more superstitious

PEOPLE lacking control in their lives are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories and superstitions, a study has found.

Wearing ‘lucky socks’, counting magpies or insisting that the moon landings were faked all reflect a search for order in the world, say psychologists.

Through a series of experiments, the US scientists showed that individuals suffering a loss of control tended to see non-existent images, perceive conspiracies, or become superstitious. Prof Adam Galinsky, from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, who led the research, said: ‘The less control people have over their lives, the more likely they are to try and regain control through mental gymnastics.

‘Feelings of control are so important to people that a lack of control is inherently threatening. While some misperceptions can be led or lead one astray, they’re extremely common and most likely satisfy a deep and enduring psychological need.’