The influence of superstition and belief in the supernatural on economic decision-making

this article examines the relationship between superstitions, belief in the supernatural, and individuals’ economic behavior. It explores the psychological mechanisms through which irrational beliefs affect economic decision-making, risk evaluation, and investment behavior. The analysis includes modern empirical studies that demonstrate how cultural and individual factors determine the extent to which superstitions influence economic choices. The findings indicate that superstitions can significantly alter economic behavior, often leading to suboptimal decisions from the standpoint of traditional economic rationality, but also sometimes serving adaptive functions under conditions of uncertainty. The article proposes new directions for research at the intersection of economic psychology and the study of irrational beliefs.

economic psychology, superstitions, decision-making, behavioral economics, risk, uncertainty, cultural factors