Fear of the Number 13, Also Known as Triskaidekaphobia, May Have Surprisingly Negative Effects on the Economy

It is no secret that many people are superstitious when it comes to the number 13, often called "unlucky thirteen." Friday the 13th is such a dreaded day for some that they actually call in sick to work rather than take a chance on bad luck. But uneasiness about the number 13 may extend far beyond Friday the 13. Officially known as triskaidekaphobia (yes, I know that is a mouthful), fear of number 13 is getting quite a lot of attention from economists and others these days.

Why? As it turns out triskaidekaphobia might have more of an effect on the economy than people realize. If builders of hospitals and apartment buildings as well as airline companies scoff at this, they can face some surprising reactions from the average person out there. They might even lose millions, perhaps billions, of dollars as a result.

Some basic information about triskaidekaphobia or fear of number 13, a fear that leads to economic impact

Although you might think primarily of movies like the notorious Friday the 13th and Camp Crystal Lake when you think of the number thirteen, it turns out that people have been scared of unlucky 13 long before then. Historical connections run deep. There are all sorts of rumors and historians, mathematicians and researchers have debated the various reasons why people have avoided the number thirteen, going all the way back to The Last Supper and Judas (who was supposed to be the 13th person there).

Also, according to some British information, there were supposed to be 13 steps leading to the hangman's noose and tales spread about witches meeting in groups of 12, with the 13th member being the Devil himself . All of this did nothing to dispel triskaidekaphobia.

Whatever the reasons, the aversion to this number runs deep, far deeper than some people believe.....until it comes time to add that thirteenth floor to a building, label a hospital room with the number 13 or even use an airplane logo with that number. Yep, that is when the complaints come building and the economy may be affected!

How fear of the number 13, triskaidekaphobia, may affect the economy

This is where things really start to get even more interesting. Although there is some debate about how much the economy is affected by fear of number thirteen, there are actual studies and incidents that point to some very real - and major - financial impacts. One study found that at least $800 or $900 million dollars may be lost every Friday the 13th just because of the way people change their wedding dates and other activities to avoid doing anything on that date. Not only that, but at least one British airline company had to completely redo its logo after people refused to fly on an airline with the number 13 as part of its logo!

How far do people go to avoid the number 13?

They'll go very far. Unless it is an absolute emergency (and even then there isn't evidence that they'll travel if the number 13 is involved) they will change their wedding date. They'll avoid moving into houses that are the thirteenth home on the block. They won't allow themselves to be admitted into a hotel room with the number 13 on the door. Brussels Airlines even had to change its logo after superstitious passengers complained quite strongly about the 13 dots that were used to create the letter "B" in the Brussels Airlines logo. They actually changed the logo to meet consumer needs. Hospital beds, operating rooms and maternity units have avoided labeling rooms with the number 13 (see sources).

Many unlucky or terrible events have been connected to the number 13, increasing triskaidekaphobia, the fear of these digits.

Other reported info about unlucky number 13? Tarot Card 13 is generally the Death Card, the Grim Reaper. Several mass murderers have 13 letters in their name. Jeffrey Dahmer is one of them. Black Sabbath is said to have released their debut album on Friday the 13th, 1970. Lizzy Bordon reputedly only uttered 13 word at her trial. Whether myth or fact, these beliefs are commonly held true by many people and may cause them to avoid going to movies, driving or spending money whenever the number 13 is involved at all. This can have a strong economic impact (see sources at end of article).

How many people actually fear the number 13?

As can be imagined, getting an exact number is impossible. Those who've studied this topic estimate that a significant number of people have this fear. Whether they admit is is another question. Researchers who've studied it have gotten varying results but 9% of the population is commonly cited as the minimum number who may suffer from this. That is nearly 10% of the population!. Clearly, if all those people do change their decisions based on fear of number 13 it is possible that our economy could be affected. Their fears may even increase during times of economic uncertainties, recessions and financial losses.

Is there a cure for triskaidekaphobia?

Like so many phobias, the cure varies from one person to another. There are some who will remain convinced the number 13 should be avoided at all costs. If their anxiety blossoms into physical symptoms such as panic, trembling, sweating and anxiety, these people may want to consult a doctor - or even a math expert- who might give some perspective to the situation. One thing that may help: remembering that if people are predisposed to looking for "signs" that a particular number is unlucky, they can believe more strongly in anything that supports their belief and discount anything that does not.

Fear of the number 13 is not the same as being afraid of Friday the 13th

Although there is clearly some overlap (those who fear the number 13 may also fear Friday the 13th), there are people who only get anxious on Friday the 13th. That fear even has its own official name: Paraskevidekatriaphobia. The two things are separate phobias. I'd sure like to know how many people have both fears.

Sources:
1. Triskaidekaphobia in the Health Services, The Guardian, June 13, 2008
2. Triskaidekaphobia - definition, information and economic information from Wolfram Math World: mathworld.wolfram.com/Triskaidekaphobia.html
3. What is Triskaidekaphobia? www.phobia-fear-release.com/what-is-triskaidekaphobia.html
4. Unlucky airline logo grounded, BBC News, February 21, 2007: news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6383171.stm
5. A Day of Fear and Phobias, Times Herald, online edition, June 13, 2008: www.timesheraldonline.com/opinion/ci_9575030