Magical thinking facts for kids

Magical thinking is a way of thinking where people believe that certain actions, thoughts, or words can directly cause things to happen, even if there's no logical or scientific proof. It's like believing that if you wear your lucky socks, your favorite team will win. This kind of thinking connects things that aren't really connected by cause and effect.

In psychology, magical thinking can make people believe their thoughts alone can change the world. It might also make them think that just imagining something is the same as actually doing it. It's a type of thinking that finds meaning in coincidences.

What is Magical Thinking?

Magical thinking happens when someone believes there's a link between an action or thought and an event, even when there's no clear reason or observation to prove it. For example, if you cross your fingers for good luck, you're using a form of magical thinking. You hope that action will help you succeed.

Examples of Magical Thinking

Many everyday beliefs and practices can be seen as forms of magical thinking. Here are a few examples:

• Prayer: Some people believe that saying prayers can directly cause specific events to happen, like healing someone or changing the weather.
• Rituals: A rain dance is a ritual where dancers believe their actions and songs will make rain fall.
• Superstitions: Believing that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck, or that walking under a ladder is unlucky, are common superstitions. These are examples of magical thinking.
• Taboos: A taboo is something that is forbidden because it's considered sacred or cursed. For instance, some cultures have taboos against eating certain animals.
• Faith Healing: This is when a healer prays or touches a sick person, believing their actions will cure the illness.

Why Do People Think This Way?

There are several reasons why people might engage in magical thinking. Sometimes, it's just a coincidence. For example, if you wear your lucky shirt and then something good happens, you might think the shirt caused it.

Another reason is the placebo effect. This is when someone feels better after taking a fake medicine or having a fake treatment, simply because they believe it will work. Their belief, not the treatment itself, causes the improvement.

Sometimes, magical thinking can come from self-deception, where people trick themselves into believing something is true. It can also come from not understanding natural causes for events.

Images for kids

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  A healing ritual (the laying on of hands)

See also

In Spanish: Pensamiento mágico para niños