Superstitious thinking, often called "magical thinking," persists because it offers several psychological benefits:
: "Bad" superstitions (like avoiding the number 13) act as a shield against potential misfortune, while "good" ones (like carrying a lucky charm) act as a magnet for positive fortune. Historical and Cultural Roots The Scientific Power of Superstition - Everyday Psych Superstition
: Humans are hardwired to see patterns. When a random action is followed by a positive outcome, the brain may mistakenly link the two, creating a "false causal" relationship. often called "magical thinking