Exploring the antecedents and consumer behavior consequences of the trait of superstition

TLDR

Two exploratory studies used a hierarchical personality model to examine antecedents and consumer‑behavior consequences of superstition. The studies found that superstition is linked to lower need for learning in older adults, higher sports interest, belief in fate, and lower belief in heaven/hell, and that it predicts beliefs in astrology, magic, psychokinesis, fictitious creatures, and a negative attitude toward genetic engineering of food. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Abstract

Abstract In two exploratory studies, a hierarchical model of personality was employed to investigate a number of possible trait antecedents and consumer‐behavior–related consequences of superstition. One of the interesting findings was that the antecedents of superstition include a lower need for learning among older adults, higher levels of sports interest, a belief in fate, and a decreased belief in heaven and hell. In addition, the results suggested that the consequences of superstition might include beliefs in astrology, magic, psychokinesis, and the existence of fictitious creatures (e.g., the Loch Ness monster). Evidence suggesting a negative association between superstitious beliefs and attitudes concerning the genetic engineering of food products was also obtained. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.