OBJECTIVE To find out the superstitions regarding health problems in different ethnic groups, their implications over the socio-economic development of that group and to what extent can those superstitions be related to their level of literacy. METHODS The study was a questionnaire-based survey, 20 subjects from each ethnic group were selected by cluster sampling of residential areas where th...

Objectives: Past research has shown that traditional Chinese death beliefs are related to death anxiety. Many of them are considered as superstitious thoughts. However, other studies have shown that superstitions may help people cope with uncertainty and reduce uncertainty-induced anxiety. The role of superstitions, whether related to higher death anxiety, or help reduce death anxiety is unclea...

WHEN I was a small child I had an attack of whooping-cough, for which ailment I received whatever medical treatment was then in vogue. In addition to this, however, I was taken to the gasworks. The fumes of the gas were no more efficacious than the more orthodox remedies, and as my whooping was apparently distressing to listen to, I was next taken to a large brewery and encouraged to hang over ...

Superstitions are typically seen as inconsequential creations of irrational minds. Nevertheless, many people rely on superstitious thoughts and practices in their daily routines in order to gain good luck. To date, little is known about the consequences and potential benefits of such superstitions. The present research closes this gap by demonstrating performance benefits of superstitions and i...

The present paper is designed to explore the belief system prevailing in a rural community of the Punjab, Pakistan. In particular, prevalence of beliefs regarding superstitions, dreams and shrines are studied along with other supernatural aspects such as black magic, taweez and ghosts. Data are taken from a probability sample survey conducted in the village. The survey covered various aspects o...