The Psychology of Rituals


The Psychology of Rituals journal by Nicholas Hobson goes into depth on the study of rituals and their causal mechanisms that driving their certain behaviors. He talks about the mix of framework involved from different fields to understand these phenomenons and why humans create and conduct this practices. He talks specifically about three theories that cause the behavior: emotions, performance goal states, and social connections. After reflecting on this, I agree that there has been little thought including by myself, put into this psychology. I have been very interested in the Vikings and their Pagan religious rituals and putting Hobson's framework and "stepping into their shoes" I can start to understand a little why they were so determined by them. For the Vikings, their rituals caused many emotions throughout the tribe and many times motivated them before battle or brought happiness after a newborn child. This ties to their performance goals of defeating their enemies or surviving winter. Finally, they created social connections with other Viking tribes through these rituals.

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