Irrational beliefs as a factor in psychological adaptation of future doctors

According to data from the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) for 2022 [1], one in three Russians believes in the ability to predict fate, one in four believes in witchcraft and the possibility of hexing, and 66 percent of respondents partially acknowledge certain mystical phenomena. Prelogical thinking and irrational beliefs are considered in modern psychology in the context of personality adaptation mechanisms under uncertainty. A natural-scientific worldview dominates the professional training of medical specialists. However, there is evidence that superstitious and paranormal beliefs become more prominent in future doctors in stressful situations that frequently arise during their academic and professional activities. The aim of this study is to examine prelogical thinking and superstitious behavior in medical students as factors in their adaptation to high professional responsibility and stress. A total of 226 students participated in the survey phase and 62 respondents in the testing phase. Results. The survey revealed that superstitions are moderately prevalent and are primarily activated in stressful situations (e.g., exams, clinical practice). Overall, despite a skeptical attitude toward omens, many students use rituals to reduce anxiety and the illusion of control in stressful situations. Testing revealed that irrational beliefs are associated with an external locus of control and defense mechanisms (denial, avoidance), serving as a compensatory function for a deficit in subjective control. Unlike situational superstitions, traditional religious faith demonstrated a more complex structure, serving not only as a compensatory but also as a meaning-generating resource for the individual.

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