If you have always dismissed partaking in the act of reversing ‘bad luck’, by throwing salt over your shoulder or touching wood for example, you might just want to think again, just in case.
A study has revealed that the fear of bad luck can actually be eradicated simply by performing the routine, according to The Daily Mail. This is because it makes the superstitious individual feel as though they are ridding themselves of the curse.
Experts who conducted the research at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business said people who are not particularly superstitious often take part in rituals after someone has tempted fate and the most common among Westerners is to touch wood to undo any kind of ‘jinx’ which may have occurred.
The chances of bad fortune could be indeed be reduced if people perform a ritual, the study suggests, because the person literally pushes away the negative thoughts, making it less likely to happen.
The findings, published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology, claimed the rituals worked best if they involved literally exerting force away from oneself. In five experiments participants had to tempt fate and then perform a ritual or unrelated action, such as throwing a ball, because the researchers noted that many reversal techniques involved pushing something away from the body.
Associate professor of behavioural science at Chicago Booth, Dr Jane Risen, said: “Our findings suggest that not all actions to undo a jinx are equally effective.”
She added: “Instead, we find that avoidant actions that exert force away from one’s representation of self are especially effective for reducing the anticipated negative consequences following a jinx. Engaging in an avoidant action seems to create the sense that the bad luck is being pushed away.”
So next time you see someone throwing things, they might just be the luckiest person around.