Episode 2: Full Moon

Written by: Emily Stark

In this episode, we discuss the misconception that the full moon influences our behavior. We describe some cultural and folklore connections to the full moon, and how widespread the belief is that people act wilder during a full moon. We share how research has tested this myth, and describe a number of studies that show no connection between phases of the moon, and behaviors such as reported crimes, psychiatric admissions, emergency calls, and other archival data. Overall, we connect this misconception to our brain's tendency to notice patterns, and how we pay more attention to things that confirm our beliefs--even though there is no connection between the full moon and our behaviors. 

You can view show notes and a transcript here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/3da2633a

Click to listen below, or find this episode wherever you find podcasts!

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References and Resources

Campbell, D. E., & Beets, J. L. (1978). Lunacy and the moon. Psychological Bulletin, 85(5), 1123–1129. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.85.5.1123

Lamb, R. Fact or Fiction: Does a Full Moon Affect Hospitals? https://www.yourworld.com/uk/news/fact-or-fiction-does-a-full-moon-affect-hospitals

Rotton, J., & Kelly, I. W. (1985). Much ado about the full moon: A meta-analysis of lunar-lunacy research. Psychological Bulletin, 97(2), 286–306. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.97.2.286

Schuld, J., Slotta, J. E., Schuld, S., Kollmar, O., Schilling, M. K., & Richter, S. (2011). Popular belief meets surgical reality: impact of lunar phases, Friday the 13th and zodiac signs on emergency operations and intraoperative blood loss. World journal of surgery, 35(9), 1945–1949. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-011-1166-8

Moon folklore: https://www.mythfolks.com/moon-folklore