The Relationship Between Superstitious beliefs, Locus of control, and Trait Anxiety among University Students

Abstract

Uncertainty is the only certainty there is, and individuals often rely on psychological resources to cope with it. In the face of unpredictability, individuals seek ways to regain balance and ease anxiety. Yet, research shows that those high in trait anxiety perceive control differently, often resorting to rigid or superstitious thinking as a means to restore a sense of order amid uncertainty. The present study examined the role of locus of control in the relationship between superstitious beliefs and trait anxiety among university students. A sample of 102 university students (females n = 64 and males n=38 completed the Superstitious Beliefs Scale (Chukkali & Dey, 2020), the Brief Locus of Control Scale (Sapp & Harrod, 1993), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Spielberger etal., 1968) via Google Forms. Data was analysed using correlation, t-test, and mediational analysis through SPSS. Results showed that superstitious beliefs correlated positively with the variable of chance factors (r = 0.3 p < 0.01) . Trait anxiety correlated positively with the variables of powerful others (r=0.24 p <0.05) and chance factors (r=0.25 p <0.05), but negatively with internal locus of control (r=-0.31p < 0.01) . Internal locus of control was the only significant predictor of trait anxiety (B=-0.67, p=0.018) Findings reveal that superstitious beliefs are tied to an external locus of control, while trait anxiety decreases with a stronger internal locus of control. The results underscore the therapeutic value of nurturing an internal locus of control for improved mental health and well-being