magical thinking
The belief that one's thoughts, words, or actions can influence events in ways that defy conventional understanding of cause and effect.
Full Definition
Magical thinking involves the attribution of causal relationships between mental events and external occurrences without logical connection or scientific basis. In psychiatric contexts, this may manifest as beliefs that thinking certain thoughts can cause harm to others, that rituals or behaviors can prevent disasters, or that coincidences have special meaning. While mild forms of magical thinking are common in children and may persist in some cultural contexts, pronounced magical thinking in adults can indicate various psychiatric conditions including obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizotypal personality disorder, or psychotic disorders. The concept differs from cultural or religious beliefs in that it typically causes distress and interferes with functioning.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from religious or cultural beliefs; focus on whether thinking causes distress or impairment.
In Context
- "The patient's magical thinking included the belief that thinking about accidents would cause them to happen to family members." — OCD assessment report
- "Distinguishing between cultural spiritual beliefs and pathological magical thinking requires careful clinical judgment." — Cultural competency guidelines