The Placebo Effect By Dr. Vyse

Webster dictionary defines supernatural as “of or relating to an order of existence beyond the visible observable universe; especially :of or relating to God or a god, demigod, spirit, or devil” Dr. Vyse explains that superstition can be positive or negative.
Control is something we all like to have and superstition give us a feeling of control. Hudson explains “Superstitious ritual can give us a sense of control when we’re feeling anxious or when we don't have a lot of control over a situation. This illusory feeling of control can enhance real control and boost performance in some situations.” Line 211-217. Some use a certain golf ball because it's “lucky” and studies show that lucky charms or lucky objects, as superstitious as they are, actually boost confidence, give control and improve performance.
Lebron James always wore his college team’s shorts underneath his bulls uniform, Serena Williams bounced the ball 5 times before each serve and Björn Borg who won 11 world titles never shaved. All these award winning athletes had superstitions and maybe that shows superstitions boost confidence. “Wearing these lucky shorts, for instance, gives you a confidence boost. It also makes you a visualize a positive outcome. When you prime your brain with that you're more receptive opportunities and you project positivity in a way that people respond to it.” Line 241-247 Thorin Klosowski explains. This proves that superstitions give confidence.
The Placebo Effect is defined as “a beneficial effect, produced by a placebo drug or treatment, that cannot be attributed to the properties of the placebo itself, and must therefore be due to the patient's belief in that treatment.” The Placebo Effect is a positive superstition, which can boost mind and body performance.
One of doctor's main uses of the placebo’s is with people addicted to pain meds. They give them a placebo and it makes them feel better. Klosowski explain that “the point is that when you believe doing something to make a difference in an outcome like taking a fake pill, alternative medicines, wearing a knee sleeve, or knocking on wood- it an increase the chances of a positive outcome.”
Friday the 13th, black cats, or the ill effects of walking under a ladder are all negative superstitions. They are “...superstitions that merely increase anxiety and force you into situations where if it comes along you have to think about whether you want to deal with it.” Dr. Vyse explains. If you see a black cat cross your path you could think that something bad will happen to you and you will feel anxious the rest of the day. This is how superstitions could be negative
too.
Dependencies are never good especially when they are on superstitions. If you always have to use a certain pen when writing an essay and you lose that pen, it can make you feel horrible and you could lose confidence and do badly. Dr. Vyse explains that “Any good superstitions can have a downside if you become dependent on it. If on some occasion you forgot to do your superstition you feel horrible” Superstitions can be good but too much and they become unwelcome dependencies.
It is certain that superstitions can become bad but I feel that they are helpful, confidence boosting and performance boosting to an extent. In conclusion, superstitions are helpful, but risky and should be used in moderation.