INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue IX September 2025
Page 3026
www.rsisinternational.org
Superstitious Behavior Among Family Members of Individuals Taking
Psychiatric Treatment
Sheetal Parasram Sanap1, Dr. Jaimala Ashok Sode2
1P.G. Student P.G. Department of Psychology & Research Centre, India
2Assistant Professor Mahatma Gandhi Vidyamandir’s Loknete Vyankatrao Hiray Arts, Science and
Commerce College, Panchavati, Nashik, State - Maharashtra, India
Affiliated To Savitribai Phule Pune University, India
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.120800271
Received: 13 Sep 2025; Accepted: 24 Sep 2025; Published: 04 October 2025
ABSTRACT
Aim: The present research study examines the difference in terms of superstitious behavior among family
members of individuals undergoing psychiatric treatment located in urban and rural areas. This research aims to
understand the influence of superstition beliefs and behavior of family members on perceptions and responses
to mental health treatment of their loved one.
Material and Methods: The total sample consisted 100 family members of individuals taking psychiatric
treatment out of which 50 from urban areas and 50 from rural areas located in Nashik districts of Maharashtra.
The sample was selected from psychiatric clinics located in Nashik city. For examine the level of Superstitious
Behavior researchers used superstitious behavior scale by Dr. Manasvi Shrivastav (2019).
Statistical Analysis: Descriptive, inferential comparative statistical analyses were used for observing the
difference. The t test was used to study the difference in superstitious behavior between urban and rural family
members.
Result and Conclusion: The research finding shows the significant difference in terms of superstitious
behavior between urban and rural family members. The mean score of superstitious behavior was 11.52 (SD
= 10.56) for urban family members and 34.40 (SD = 17.10) for rural family members and the obtained t-value
was 7.56 which indicated significant difference. The study revealed that rural family members exhibited higher
levels of superstitious behavior as compared to urban family members which plays the crucial role in shaping
the attitudes of family members toward psychiatric treatment in rural settings.
Keywords: Superstitious Behavior, Family members of individuals taking psychiatric treatment, Urban and
Rural Areas
INTRODUCTION
Superstitious behaviour means believing and acting on ideas that don’t have a scientific explanation, but
individuals often act or perform because of fear or uncertainty. In psychology, it happens when people wrongly
connect their actions to a certain outcome.
These beliefs give people a sense of control, especially when they’re facing unpredictable or challenging
situations. Danish et al. (2010) suggest that superstitions can boost a person’s confidence and even help them
perform better by making them feel more positive. Vyse (1997) explains that superstitions come from the
desire to find meaning in life’s uncertainties, giving people a way to manage stress and anxiety.
Superstitions can teach us a lot about how people think and make decisions. They show us how our minds try
to find patterns and explanations, even when none exist. Cultural and social factors also shape these beliefs,
showing how traditions and stories are passed down through families and communities.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue IX September 2025
Page 3027
www.rsisinternational.org
In India, especially in rural areas, superstitious beliefs and acts are often deeply rooted in cultural and
traditional practices. These illogical beliefs shape individuals and their family member’s attitude and
perception towards understanding mental health and seeking medical treatment. Many families may believe
that mental health problems are caused by supernatural forces like evil spirits, curses, or black magic rather
than medical or psychological reasons. Individuals’ responses towards mental conditions or illness are
influenced by superstitious beliefs these illogical beliefs often lead to delays in seeking professional help,
reliance on traditional healers, and a cycle of stigma and inadequate treatment. Addressing these superstitions
behaviour through education and community outreach is essential for improving mental health treatment
outcomes in these areas.
Types of Superstitions:
Following are some types of superstition we observed in communities:
Luck-Based Superstitions – Actions believed to bring good or bad luck, like carrying charms or
avoiding black cats.
Ritualistic Superstitions – Personal or cultural rituals performed for success or protection.
Omen-Based Superstitions – Belief in signs predicting good or bad outcomes, like shooting stars or
spilled salt.
Fate-Related Superstitions – Faith in astrology, numerology, or destiny being pre-determined by events
or actions.
Religious/Spiritual Superstitions – Seeking divine blessings or protection using prayers, talismans, or
rituals.
Custom-Based Superstitions – Traditional beliefs, like avoiding haircuts at night or following
seasonal rituals.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Nair and Thomas (2020) explored how maternal beliefs affected psychiatric treatment adherence in Kerala.
They discovered that superstitious mothers often discontinued medications in favor of traditional remedies.
Banerjee and Das (2019) conducted research in West Bengal, finding that beliefs in "bhut pret" (ghosts)
significantly impacted family support for psychiatric care. Education interventions improved understanding in
40% of families Kaur et al. (2020) investigated Sikh families in Punjab. The research found that ancestral
beliefs about "sacred healing" often clashed with modern psychiatric practices, creating tension in treatment
adherence .Joshi and Pandey (2018) analyzed familial superstitions in Uttarakhand. The findings showed that
geographic isolation contributed to reliance on superstitious practices, with 85%of respondents consulting
shamans. Saxena et al. (2021) examined the role of caste-based beliefs in Bihar. Their study highlighted that
lower-caste families faced double stigma due to caste discrimination and mental health superstitions.
International review Schmidt et al. (2020) studied superstitions among European families in Germany. The
findings showed that older generations adhered more to mystical beliefs about mental illness. Jones and White
(2018) analyzed familial attitudes in Australia. Indigenous communities attributed psychiatric conditions to
spiritual disharmony, impacting treatment approaches. Abdulrahman et al. (2019) investigated familial
superstitions in Egypt, where "evil spirits" were often considered the root cause of mental disorders. Ruiz and
Fernandez (2020) explored Spanish families, noting the influence of folk traditions like "mal aire" (bad air) in
shaping mental health perceptions. Zhao et al. (2019) studied superstitions in rural China. Families frequently
relied on herbal remedies and spiritual consultations, delaying psychiatric interventions. Smith et al. (2020)
examined family superstitions in the United States, revealing that cultural subgroups, especially recent
immigrants, often adhered to beliefs about "divine punishment" for mental illness.
Statement of the Problem
To examine the difference in terms of superstitious behaviour among family members of individuals taking
psychiatric treatment belongs to urban and rural areas.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue IX September 2025
Page 3028
www.rsisinternational.org
Objectives
1. To study the superstitious behaviour among family members of individuals taking psychiatric treatment
belong to urban areas.
2. To study the superstitious behaviour among family members of individuals taking psychiatric treatment
belong to rural areas.
3. To study the difference in terms of superstitious behavior among family members taking psychiatric
treatment belong to urban and rural area.
Hypothesis
Family members of individuals undergoing psychiatric treatment in rural areas are more engage in
superstitious behavior as compare to urban areas.
Variables
Research Variables
1. Superstitious behavior
2. Family members of individuals taking psychiatric treatment
Controlled Variables
1. Region: Nashik, Sambhaji Nagar, Jalna district in Maharashtra
2. Type of Psychiatric Disorder: Anxiety, OCD and Depression
3. Duration of Disorders: Minimum 6 to 12 months treatment
Sample and Methods
A purposive sampling method was used to select a representative sample of 100 family members of individuals
taking psychiatric treatment out of which 50 from urban areas and 50 from rural areas located in Nashik,
Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Jalna districts of Maharashtra. The sample was selected from psychiatric clinics
located in Nashik city. With the prior permission of psychiatrist the researchers personally interacted with the
family members of the individuals and with their concern collected the information with the help of
standardised test.
Tool
Superstitious Behaviour Scale by Dr. Manasvi Shrivasatav (2019):
The scale consists 40 items for understanding different aspects of superstitious behavior. For giving the
responses the scale having three options first option "I will definitely do it", second option "If not possible, I will
not do it", third option "I don't believe in it". The scores range between 0 - 80. High score indicates more
superstitious behavior and low score indicates low superstitious behavior.
Reliability: test-retest reliability was found 0.90
Validity: Content validity on the basis of experts rating were considered satisfactory.
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
The collected data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tools, including mean, standard deviation, and t-
test, to assess the differences in superstitious behavior among family members of individuals undergoing
psychiatric treatment from urban and rural areas. The obtained data is systematically presented in the following
table.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue IX September 2025
Page 3029
www.rsisinternational.org
Table.1: Shows the Mean, SD and t-value the difference in terms of superstitious behavior between Rural
and Urban area on
Variable Sample N Mean SD SED 't' value Level of
Sig
Superstitious
Behavior
Urban Area 50 11.52 10.56 3.027 7.56 Sig
Rural Area 50 34.40 17.10
Table 1 shows the difference in terms of superstitious behaviour between family members of individuals in
urban and rural areas for this analysis t value is calculated. For the obtained values in table 1 shows the mean
of urban individuals is 11.52 and mean value of rural individuals is 34.40 and the computed t-Value is 7.56 of
significant at the 0.01 level. This indicates that there is difference in level of superstitious behaviour among
family members of individuals at urban and rural areas. The result suggest that individuals from rural areas are
more engaged in superstitious behaviour as compared to urban area individuals due to lower mental health
awareness stronger cultural and national influence and limited access to scientific explanations for mental
health issues in rural settings.
CONCLUSION
There is significant difference in terms of superstitious behaviour among family members of individuals
undergoing psychiatric treatment in urban and rural areas. The result suggest that individuals from rural areas
are more engaged in superstitious behaviour as compared to urban area
IMPLICATIONS
This research finding highlighted the importance of culturally sensitive mental health education and awareness
programs, especially in rural communities.
Integration of Cultural Sensitivity in Mental Health Programs: Suggests the need for mental health
programs at rural families that are tailored to local beliefs and practices. Incorporating cultural sensitivity
into mental health education can foster greater acceptance of psychiatric treatment and reduce reliance on
superstitious practices.
Community-Based Awareness Campaigns: Organise mental health disorders awareness campaigns
with collaboration of community leaders, religious figures, and local influencers at rural areas for
promoting scientific understanding of mental health issues.
Training for Mental Health Professionals: Trained mental health professionals should take initiative to
recognize and address superstitious beliefs compassionately. Professionals should understand and deals
with patients and their family member’s cultural background.
Policy Recommendations: Policymakers should conduct mental health literacy programs at rural areas.
Family Counselling and Support: Organize family counselling sessions on superstitious beliefs,
offering education about psychiatric disorders and encouraging evidence-based treatment.
Further Research: There is a need for more research on the relationship between cultural beliefs and
mental health care.
School and Youth Programs: Introducing mental health education in schools, especially in rural areas,
can build early awareness and reduce the intergenerational transmission of superstitious beliefs.
REFERENCES
1. Abdulrahman, R., Hassan, A., & El-Sayed, N. (2019). Familial superstitions in Egypt: Evil spirits and
mental disorders. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychiatry, 22(3), 221–232.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue IX September 2025
Page 3030
www.rsisinternational.org
2. Adebowale, T. O., & Ogunlesi, A. O. (1999). Beliefs and knowledge about aetiology of mental illness
among Nigerian psychiatric patients and their relatives. African Journal of Medicine and Medical
Sciences, 28(1-2), 35–41.
3. Ali, A., & Jahan, M. (2012). Magico-religious beliefs among caregivers of persons with psychiatric
disorders as determinants for pathways to psychiatric care. Journal of Pakistan Psychiatric Society, 9(2),
68–73.
4. Banerjee, P., & Das, S. (2019). Bhut pret beliefs and their impact on psychiatric care in West Bengal.
Indian Journal of Social Psychiatry, 35(2), 85–92.
5. Basumatary, M., Ali, A., & Daimari, B. N. (2020). Magico-religious beliefs, stigma, and help-seeking
behaviour among the caregivers of persons with schizophrenia. National Journal of Professional Social
Work, 21(1), 19–26. https://doi.org/10.51333/njpsw.2020.v21.i1.243
6. Chadda, R. K., Agarwal, V., Singh, M. C., & Raheja, D. (2001). Help-seeking behaviour of psychiatric
patients before seeking care at a mental hospital. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 47(4), 71–
78. https://doi.org/10.1177/002076400104700407
7. Chakraborty, K., Das, G., Dan, A., Bandyopadhyay, G., & Chatterjee, M. (2013). Perceptions about the
cause of psychiatric disorders and subsequent help-seeking patterns among psychiatric outpatients in a
tertiary care centre in Eastern India. German Journal of Psychiatry, 16(1), 7–17
8. Ergetie, T., Yohanes, Z., Asrat, B., Demeke, W., Abate, A., & Tareke, M. (2018). Perceived stigma
among non-professional caregivers of people with severe mental illness, Bahir Dar, northwest Ethiopia.
Annals of General Psychiatry, 17(1), 42. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12991-018-0209-5
9. International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 5(7), 3264–3267 https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-
6012.ijrms2017
10. Jones, T., & White, A. (2018). Indigenous beliefs and mental health: Family attitudes in Australia.
Australian Journal of Psychiatry, 52(4), 389–395.
11. Joshi, R., & Pandey, V. (2018). Familial superstitions and mental health in Uttarakhand. Indian Journal
of Psychology, 14(1), 44–51.
12. Kaur, G., Singh, H., & Sharma, P. (2020). Sacred healing beliefs among Sikh families and modern
psychiatry in Punjab. Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 48, 101888.
13. Kerebih, H., Abera, M., & Soboka, M. (2017). Pattern of help-seeking behaviour for common mental
disorders among urban residents in Southwest Ethiopia. Quality in Primary Care, 25(4), 208–216.
14. Koschorke, M., Padmavati, R., Kumar, S., Cohen, A., Weiss, H. A., Chatterjee, S., & Balaji, M. (2017).
Experiences of stigma and discrimination faced by family caregivers of people with schizophrenia in
India. Social Science & Medicine, 178, 66–77.
15. Kulhara, P., Avasthi, A., & Sharma, A. (2000). Magico-religious beliefs in schizophrenia: A study from
north India. Psychopathology, 33(2), 62–68. https://doi.org/10.1159/000029122
16. Nair, R., & Thomas, J. (2020). Maternal beliefs and psychiatric treatment adherence in Kerala. Indian
Journal of Psychological Medicine, 42(3), 234–239.
17. Nejad, A. G., & Pouya, F. (2008). Relationship between superstitious beliefs and anxiety, depression in
Iran. European Psychiatry, 23(S2), S374. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpsy.2008.01.1294
18. Ruiz, L., & Fernandez, M. (2020). Folk traditions and mental health in Spanish families. Spanish
Journal of Cultural Psychiatry, 10(2), 134–141.
19. Sapkota, N., Shakya, D. R., Adhikari, B. R., Pandey, A. K., & Shyangwa, P. M. (2016). Magico-
religious beliefs in schizophrenia: A study from Eastern part of Nepal. Journal of College of Medical
Sciences-Nepal, 12(4), 150–159. https://doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v12i4.15953
20. Sartorius, N., & Janca, A. (1996). Psychiatric assessment instruments developed by the World Health
Organization. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 31(2), 55–69.
https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00801903
21. Saxena, A., Yadav, S., & Singh, R. (2021). Caste-based beliefs and mental health stigma in Bihar.
Indian Journal of Social Work, 82(1), 56–67.
22. Schmidt, H., Müller, L., & Weber, F. (2020). Generational differences in superstitions about mental
illness in Germany. European Journal of Psychiatry, 34(3), 212–220.
23. Smith, J., Brown, K., & Lee, A. (2020). Cultural subgroups and superstitions in U.S. families. Journal
of Family Psychology, 34(4), 501–509.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue IX September 2025
Page 3031
www.rsisinternational.org
24. Thara, R., & Srinivasan, T. N. (2000). How stigmatising is schizophrenia in India? International
Journal of Social Psychiatry, 46(2), 135–141. https://doi.org/10.1177/002076400004600206
25. Umubyeyi, A., Mogren, I., Ntaganira, J., & Krantz, G. (2016). Help-seeking behaviours, barriers to care
and self-efficacy for seeking mental health care: A population-based study in Rwanda. Social
Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 51(1), 81–92. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-015-1130-2
26. Zhao, W., Li, X., & Chen, Y. (2019). Superstitions in rural China and psychiatric treatment delays.
Chinese Journal of Mental Health, 33(2), 102–109