Final answer:
The children's superstitions regarding the Radley house are tied to ghost stories and local legends, which are a strong cultural aspect of established communities. Dr. Lakeby interprets the influence of these stories through the lens of psychology, suggesting the house's effect is more related to the power of suggestion than actual hauntings.
Step-by-step explanation:
Children in connection with the Radley house harbor various superstitions that are tied to the mysterious aura surrounding the place. Such beliefs are deeply rooted in the local culture, often perpetuated by legendary tales of ghosts and apparitions. These myths flourish in well-established communities, where stories are passed down through generations.
Mildred is affected by the past events in the house according to Dr. Lakeby, who suggests that the imprints of these events might manifest as a type of psychological influence, possibly affecting individuals without their conscious awareness. Dr. Lakeby presents the events as scientific by discussing psychological suggestion instead of supernatural causation, yet he seems to believe in the power of the mind over the physical environment, hinting at a blend between the scientific and the metaphysical.
Lastly, the pervasive nature of ghost stories and hauntings is, in part, due to a fascination with the unknown and the unrecognized impact that an environment, such as an old house, can have on the psyche of those who come into contact with it. Such stories often emerge in old, established places like Sleepy Hollow, famous for its own set of eerie legends.