Psychologist's Explanation: What is Magical Thinking

You have probably heard of this term more than once. In the article we will talk about the phenomenon of magical thinking in more detail.

What is magical thinking

Magical thinking is the belief that thoughts, actions, or symbols affect events in the real world. It can manifest itself in different ways: someone puts on a lucky shirt for the exam, someone dislikes black cats, and someone adjusts daily affairs to an astrological forecast.

The authors of a new study, published in the journal Nature Human Behavior, address the topic with a new analysis: a comparison of supernatural thinking in over 100 different societies.

Who has magical thinking

Magical thinking is found in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, and generalized anxiety disorder. For example, obsessive thoughts drive people with OCD into compulsions—irrational actions and rituals.

What is the danger of magical thinking

Magical thinking creates the illusion of control over the world when a person feels insecure and vulnerable. That is why it is often activated in stressful situations that are difficult for a person to influence or are afraid to take responsibility for themselves.

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• 27 July 2023

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