Religiosity, Locus of Control, and Superstitious Belief

The identification of specific characteristics that are associated with superstition may help to avoid the many risks (e.g. health anxiety, irrational behavior, emotional maladjustment) involved with extreme superstitious belief. This study examines two possible correlates of superstition: religiosity and locus of control. ANOVA suggest that levels of religiosity do not have a significant relationship with levels of superstitious or paranormal beliefs. Analyses do reveal a positive relationship between external or chance loci of control and superstitious beliefs, but no relationship for internal locus of control with superstitious or paranormal belief. The correlations of external and chance loci of control with higher superstitious beliefs may implicate a tendency for such individuals to view life as uncontrollable, hard to deal with, or affect their self-efficacy. Knowing some of the personal characteristics of people with strong superstitious beliefs may help us to understand and prevent the risks that arise with the extremity of such beliefs.