Magical thinking refers to a peculiarity of thinking in which an individual makes a connection between two objects or events that other people would see as unrelated.
Magical thinking is a term used in psychology to describe the belief that one's thoughts, actions, or words can influence events or outcomes that are unrelated or beyond one's control. This belief is based on a superstitious or supernatural understanding of causality, rather than on logic or evidence-based reasoning.
Examples of magical thinking include:
- Believing that carrying a good luck charm or performing a certain ritual will improve one's chances of success.
- Thinking that if you don't step on the cracks in the sidewalk, nothing bad will happen to you or your family.
- Believing that bad things only happen to bad people, and that you won't get sick or hurt if you are a good person.
- Thinking that you can make someone fall in love with you by repeatedly thinking about them or casting a love spell.
- Believing that wearing a lucky outfit or using a special pen will improve your performance on a test or job interview.
Magical thinking can sometimes be harmless, but it can also lead to irrational beliefs and behaviors that interfere with everyday life. It is often associated with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other psychological disorders.