Magical thinking is a pervasive phenomenon that has been documented in a wide range of cultures and contexts. It is a cognitive process in which people attribute causal or meaningful relationships between two or more unrelated events, people, or objects. This process is often seen in children, although it can also be seen in adults.
The term “magical thinking” was first coined by Bronislaw Malinowski in 1925. Since then, a growing body of research has been conducted to explore the concept.
Researchers have found that magical thinking is an important part of early cognitive development in children. It is believed to be a way for children to make sense of the world and to make connections between events. For example, a child may believe that a certain toy will bring them luck if they carry it around with them.
In addition, magical thinking has been linked to superstitious beliefs and behaviours. For instance, people may believe that certain rituals will bring them good luck, or that a particular item of clothing can protect them from harm.
Furthermore, magical thinking has been found to be associated with certain psychological disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). People with OCD often perform rituals and engage in superstitious behaviour in an attempt to reduce anxiety or gain control.
Finally, magical thinking has been linked to religious beliefs and practices. People may believe that certain objects or symbols have spiritual or supernatural powers. This could include religious symbols, prayers, or rituals that are believed to bring good fortune or protection.
In conclusion, magical thinking is a cognitive process that has been documented in a wide range of cultures and contexts. It is an important part of early cognitive development in children, and is associated with superstitious beliefs and behaviours, psychological disorders, and religious practices.
References
Malinowski, B. (1925). Magic, science and religion. Garden City, NY: The Natural History Press.
Grusec, J. E., & Goodnow, J. J. (1994). Impact of parental discipline methods on the child’s internalization of values: A reconceptualization of current points of view. Developmental Psychology, 30(1), 4–19.
Chamberlain, S. (2008). Obsessive-compulsive disorder: The facts (2nd ed.). Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
Lambert, N. M., & Spilka, B. (2009). The psychology of religion: An empirical approach. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.