Glossary / Lexicon

Magic is defined as the various ceremonies and rituals that are designed to influence spirits.

In psychology, "magic" can refer to a wide range of phenomena that are perceived as having supernatural or otherworldly properties. Magic can be used in different ways in the field of psychology, depending on the context and the research question being addressed. Here are a few examples of how "magic" might be used in psychology:

1. Belief in magic: Researchers may study belief in magic in order to understand why some individuals are more likely to believe in magic or the supernatural than others. This research may examine factors such as cultural influences, personal experiences, and cognitive biases that may contribute to belief in magic.

2. The role of magic in religion: Researchers may study the role of magic in religion in order to understand how magic is used in various religious traditions and how it is perceived by believers. This research may examine the psychological and social functions of magic in religion and how it is related to other aspects of religious belief and practice.

3. The psychological effects of magic: Researchers may study the psychological effects of magic in order to understand how it impacts individuals' thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. For example, researchers might study the impact of magic on well-being, stress, or cognition.

4. The use of magic in therapy: Some therapists may use magic as a therapeutic tool in order to help clients explore their inner experiences and emotions in a non-threatening way. For example, a therapist might use magic tricks or illusions to help a client confront a phobia or to process a traumatic event. Researchers may study the effectiveness of this approach in order to understand how it works and how it compares to other therapeutic techniques.