Superstitious Behaviors in Sports and Exercise

A Systematic Literature Review Update

Dados Bibliográficos

ID21392044
AutoresNeha Pirwani (0009-0001-7092-5549, Faculty of Psychology and Education ELTE Eötvös Loránd University Budapest Hungary), Richárd Gábor Szamosi (Independent Researcher Budapest Hungary), Roberto Ruiz Barquín (0000-0002-7149-2685, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Roberto Ruíz‐Barquin (Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology Autonomous University of Madrid Madrid Spain), Ernest Yeboah Acheampong (0000-0002-4352-3149, Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Sports University of Education Winneba Ghana), Boróka Veronika Szócska (Doctoral School of Education, Faculty of Psychology and Education ELTE Eötvös Loránd University Budapest Hungary), Ricardo de la Vega (Department of Physical Education, Sport and Human Movement Autonomous University of Madrid Madrid Spain), Angéla Somogyi (0000-0001-7966-1159, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences Széchényi István University Győr Hungary), Attila Szabó (0000-0001-7833-8894, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences Széchényi István University Győr Hungary, autor correspondente)
Ano2026
Volume67
Fascículo3
Páginas708-724
Data de publicação2026-06-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoScandinavian Journal of Psychology (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0036-5564 • E-ISSN: 1467-9450
EditoraWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/sjop.70059
PMID41432157
OpenAlexW7116901834
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas2
Referências citadas44

Superstitious behavior is highly prevalent in sports, providing athletes control over anxiety, psychological comfort, and perceived performance benefits. The first literature review on the topic was published in 2016. Since then, new research has expanded the knowledge in the area from cultural, psychological, and situational perspectives. Following the PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review aimed to update and expand the first review on the area. PubMed and Google Scholar articles were scrutinized after the original 2016 review (from 2016 to 2024), and Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest databases (not included in the original review) were examined without a time limit. We found 27 eligible studies, including 26 observational and one experimental study. We used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) to assess study quality. The included studies stem from India, Canada, Taiwan, Greece, Türkiye, Ghana, Hungary, Poland, Ukraine, the UK, the USA, Italy, Serbia, and Congo. Data extracted included age, gender, sport type, athletic level, cultural influences, psychological traits, and validated measurement tools. Superstitions in sports remain widespread. About 55.1% of athletes reported engaging in at least one superstition, and over 90% reported sport‐specific rituals. Younger athletes exhibited higher levels of superstition than older ones. Gender differences were nuanced and context‐dependent. Team and elite athletes relied more on superstitions than individual sports and amateurs. Cultural practices strongly influence superstitions, which often serve as coping mechanisms. They reduce anxiety and improve performance through placebo‐like effects. However, excessive reliance on them can lead to burnout. This review confirms the enduring relevance of superstitions in sports. It emphasizes their cultural, psychological, and situational roles. The findings highlight gaps in understanding the placebo effects and long‐term impacts of superstitious behaviors. Multidisciplinary research is needed to deepen insights into this complex phenomenon

Anxiety · Athletes · Coping (psychology) · Observational study · Situational ethics · Sport Psychology · Superstition · Systematic review · Pain Management and Placebo Effect · Paranormal Experiences and Beliefs · Sport Psychology and Performance