Wishing It True: Is Magical Thinking Just Harmless Fun?

We like to believe we are logical creatures. Yet, as we delve deeper in the content of human thought, we discover many patterns that defy logic. One notable illogical thinking error is magical thinking. We latch on to beliefs without any logical foundation, build faulty associations, and deceptively accept illogical connections between cause and effect. Magical thinking is a phenomenon that has captivated human imagination and beliefs throughout history. It is a way of thinking that defies logical reasoning and places emphasis on the power of superstition, rituals, and the supernatural.

Magical thinking can be defined as the belief in the possibility of influencing events and outcomes through supernatural means, such as charms, rituals, or supernatural forces. It transcends rationality and often relies on personal experiences and cultural beliefs. While magical thinking may vary across different cultures and individuals, the core idea remains the same: the belief that certain actions or thoughts can manifest desired outcomes.

Historical Origins

The roots of magical thinking can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where people sought explanations for the mysteries of the natural world. From ancient Egypt’s belief in the power of amulets and spells to Mesopotamian divination practices, magical thinking played a significant role in shaping the worldview of these societies.

Magical Thinking in Modern Society

In the modern world, magical thinking continues to influence various aspects of our lives, albeit in different forms. From superstitious rituals before important events to the exchange of good luck charms, many individuals continue to seek a sense of control and comfort through these practices. Even in highly rational and scientific societies, magical thinking finds its way into our lives, whether in the form of lucky socks or wishing upon a shooting star.

Players before a sporting event often engage in routines that carry shadows of magical thinking. A basketball player may change shoes at halftime because they belief the shoes were the cause of the poor shooting. However, some magical thinking may create a placebo effect that does impact our performance. The mere fact we believe a behavior or routine helps may impact behaviors that actually will improve performance, much the same way as a sugar pill heals some illnesses.

Psychological Perspectives

The field of psychology has long examined the nature and implications of magical thinking. Some researchers suggest that it may serve as a coping mechanism, providing comfort and a sense of control in uncertain situations. Others argue that it can lead to cognitive biases and irrational decision-making. Understanding the psychological underpinnings of magical thinking can shed light on its power and influence over individuals.

We are meaning making machines. We unconsciously assign meaning to everything. In a way, this is a cognitive process that lends to a sense of ability to control our worlds. When we create associations, we gain a sense of control, by altering an associated event that we have greater control over, such as the color of our sneakers. We believe we create more favorable outcomes through performing unrelated tasks.

The Magical Thoughts of Childhood

Magical thinking is common in early development. We are little professors examining, testing, and exploring our enormous worlds. The complex interacting of behaviors, events, and consequences evades the minds of little people. Each moment for children becomes an unconscious test of theories. Many of these immature thoughts rely on a paucity of experience, establishing magical connections.

Muriel James and Dorothy Jongeward explain that “the Child ego state is not always well informed. The child has neither lived enough years nor had enough experience to be so” (James & Jongeward, 1996). From narrow experiences, magical theories arise. The eight year old child may believe that his parents got a divorce because he did not pick up his toys. Although years and logical reflection may dispel the child’s harmful conclusions, the emotional sense of guilt may remain haunting their lives.

Just like other developmental stages, magical thinking may fail to mature. James and Jongeward wrote, “some people, when grown, are unable to distinguish the magical thinking of the Little Professor from the factual information that can be data processed by their Adult. Such people easily confuse fact and fantasy” (James & Jongeward, 1996).

Magical Thinking and Change

We need hope. Hopelessness is a key symptom of depression. Some magical thoughts ay inspire hope, temporarily breaking chains that prevent us from moving forward. I cheer for any though that inspires hope and motivates change. However, many of our magical thoughts redirect attention away from the behaviors necessary to create the actual change we seek.

The magical thinking often engages in externalization of problems. In the meaning making process, we identify an outside event or person, imagine that changing, and clinging to the belief that once that happens, I will be able to succeed. For example, the person struggling with drug addiction may think, “If I only had a car, then I would be able to get a job, break the addictions, and move forward with life.” Of course such thoughts often ignore pertinent facts such as they lost their job and car as a result of their addiction. Certainly, employment, transportation, and addiction are intricately related but not in simplistic externalizing magical thoughts that suppress personal responsibility.

Change usually requires much more than a single blast of consequence. Marshall Goldsmith wrote, “an epiphany implies that change can arise out of a sudden burst of insight and willpower. It happens, of course. An alcoholic hits rock bottom. A gambler goes broke. A nasty executive is threatened with dismissal. And for a while, each of them sees the light. But more often than not, an epiphany experience triggers magical thinking. I’m skeptical of any ‘instant conversion experience.’ It might produce change in the short run, but nothing meaningful or lasting—because the process is based on impulse rather than strategy, hopes and prayers rather than structure” (Goldsmith, 2015).

Psychology Definition of Magical Thinking

Psychology does not have a generally accepted definition for magical thinking. Obviously, it is thinking that defies normal logic. However, in much of the literature it also refers to the person employing the magical thinking also having some general knowledge to the natural occurrence of things but holding to a belief that defies that knowledge.

Karl Rosengren and Jason French created a working set of criteria to define magical thinking to differentiate it from simply being wrong or confused. They suggested that for a person to employ magical thinking, an individual must:

• Realize that objects and events in the world generally follow a certain pattern of ordered governed by the laws of nature (or physics);
• Realize that the observed object or event in some way ‘violates’ or ‘contradicts’ the normal order of things in the world; and
• Hold a belief in some form of supernatural or alternative form of causality that extends beyond those that governed the natural world (Knight, 2022).

Cultural Variations

Magical thinking varies across different cultures, and each culture has its own unique set of beliefs and practices. From voodoo rituals in Haiti to the belief in spirits and supernatural beings in indigenous cultures, our world is full of diverse interpretations of magical thinking. Exploring these cultural variations broadens our understanding of human imagination and the role it plays in shaping our societies.

From the outside, we view cultural variations of magical thinking as ridiculous, but then, blindly accept our own culturally learned superstitions.

The Fine Line between Imagination and Reality

Magical thinking most likely is associated with the same brain processes involved in creativity and imagination. Our human ability to step away from the confines of structured thoughts and curiously explore the wonderous world of the unknown has led to many unthinkable achievements. Perhaps, in the early stages of these discoveries many scoffed that those dreams were nothing but magical thinking.

While magical thinking can inspire wonder, imagination, and a sense of wonderment, it is important to recognize the distinction between fantasy and reality. In some cases, magical thinking can hinder critical thinking and scientific progress. Striking a balance between embracing our imagination and being grounded in reality is crucial for personal growth and societal development.

Magical Thinking and Feedback

A basic practice for moderating magical thinking with reality is sensitivity to feedback. We have a tendency to stubbornly grasp onto beliefs and ignoring the screaming reality that counters and disproves the belief. We sterilize the flow of incoming information to relieve us of the discomfort of questioning fundamental beliefs.

Robert T. DeMoss wrote that, “the only thing that separates a good idea from a bad one, from the brain’s point of view, is feedback from the environment—such as a teacher’s red marks all over a math test, or the collapse of a house built on faulty engineering principles.” Demoss continues, explaining that magical thinking “is no less credible to the brain than ‘scientific reality,’ unless the brain has been taught that one ‘reality’ is better than another” (DeMoss, 1999, P. 219).

Associated Concepts

• Confabulations: These refer to the fabricated reasoning we use to explain our behavior. Often, confabulations are an unconscious and self-serving process.
• Human Irrationality: This refers to the tendency of individuals to make decisions and take actions that deviate from logical reasoning or sound judgment. This phenomenon encompasses a wide range of behaviors, such as cognitive biases, emotional influences, and irrational beliefs.
• Counterfactual Thinking: This thinking error refers to the cognitive process where we imagine different outcomes or events from past actions, often leading to regret or sorrow. It can serve functional purposes like guiding future decision-making, but it can also be harmful if it remains focused on unreachable, idealised alternatives.
• Dichotomous Thinking: This refers to the practice of perceiving the world in extreme opposites, simplifies complex issues but hinders critical thinking. It can benefit quick decisions but causes judgmental attitudes and may contribute to personality disorders. Developing cognitive flexibility is key.
• Self-Serving Bias: This is a cognitive bias that involves attributing successes to internal or personal factors, such as abilities or efforts, while blaming failures on external factors, such as luck or other people’s actions.
• Relativistic Thinking: This practice challenges rigid beliefs by recognizing the subjective nature of truth. Radical relativism can paradoxically lead to absolutism. Embracing relativism involves exploring associated concepts such as moral relativism and cognitive heuristics.

A Few Final Words by Psychology Fanatic

Magical thinking encapsulates the profound human desire for control, belief, and wonder that has persisted throughout history. From ancient civilizations seeking explanations for the mysteries of life to modern individuals engaging in superstitions and rituals, this phenomenon transcends time and cultural boundaries. It serves as a testament to our innate creativity and imagination, allowing us to forge connections between seemingly unrelated events. While magical thinking can provide comfort during uncertain times—offering a semblance of predictability in an unpredictable world—it is essential to recognize the importance of grounding these thoughts in reality. Embracing our capacity for imaginative thought should not come at the expense of critical thinking; rather, it should serve to enhance our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

As we navigate through life’s complexities, striking a balance between embracing magical thinking and maintaining a realistic perspective becomes crucial for personal growth. The allure of magical beliefs may inspire hope and motivation; however, they must be tempered with rationality to avoid potential pitfalls such as cognitive biases or misguided decision-making. By fostering awareness around our tendencies toward magical thoughts, we empower ourselves to cultivate healthier coping mechanisms rooted in responsibility and action. Ultimately, let us cherish the magic within while remaining firmly anchored in reality—celebrating both our ability to dream beyond limits and our commitment to making those dreams tangible through informed choices and actions that lead us toward meaningful change.

Last Update: July 19, 2025

References:

DeMoss, Robert T. (1999). Brain Waves Through Time. Basic Books.
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Goldsmith, Marshall (2015) Triggers: Creating Behavior That Lasts–Becoming the Person You Want to Be. Crown Business; First Edition edition.
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James, Muriel & Jongeward, Dorothy (1996). Born To Win: Transactional Analysis With Gestalt Experiments. ‎Da Capo Lifelong Books; 25th Anniversary ed. edition.
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Knight, Gwendolyn (2022). Reflections on ‘Magical Thinking’ and Medieval Medicine. Circumscribere International Journal for the History of Science. DOI: 10.23925/1980-7651.2022v29;p26-31
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