It is a kind of cognitive distortion where our thoughts might be not based on fact or reality.
09 May, 2023
If a person believes that their thoughts, words, emotions or rituals can change external circumstances, they might be doing what is called magical thinking.
Source: ThehealthsiteMany of us fall into magical thinking and most of the time it can be fun and harmless but in some circumstances, it could be a symptom of mental disorders.
Source: ThehealthsiteTouching wood while making a wish, blowing birthday candles, and using a particular pen in exams are some common and harmless instances of magical thinking.
Source: ThehealthsiteWhile many times, magical thinking can provide benefits such as increased optimum, boosting confidence and providing comfort during unpredictable situations, it can have drawbacks too.
Source: ThehealthsiteStudies have shown that magical thinking can have serious consequences if a person is suffering from a life-threatening condition and refuses to take a science-based approach to healing.
Source: ThehealthsitePeople affected by OCD might engage in staunch rituals like counting or touching objects a fixed number of times, fearing that if they fail to do it, the dreaded thought might become a reality.
Source: ThehealthsitePeople having anxiety disorders always expect impending doom. They always think of the worst possible outcome. They often give too much power to their thoughts.
Source: ThehealthsitePeople affected by conditions like schizophrenia start to believe that they have superpowers and that they might have to take certain actions to protect themselves from evil or enemies.
Source: ThehealthsiteThe tendency to fall for magical thinking is higher in childhood. For instance, a child might believe that his father got injured because he was being disobedient to him.
Source: ThehealthsiteThanks For Reading!