The concept of magical thinking has a long history in psychology. Although you would typically associate beliefs in magic with the kind of primitive ideas about the world shown by children, there is considerable evidence that adults can hold to irrational beliefs just as strongly as do elementary-aged youngsters. The content of those beliefs may change, but the essence of this less than scientific way to view the world can linger. To illustrate the nature of magical thoughts in adults, consider the child's idea about something as seemingly clear regarding the moon's appearance in the night sky. As observed in the mid-20th century by the Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget, a 6- or 7-year-old child may be convinced that "the moon is following me." When it comes to toys, children can also ascribe lifelike qualities to their dolls, stuffed animals, and plastic dragons as you can easily observe while watching them play. However, as children move into adolescence , their beliefs in logic and rationality outweigh, theoretically, these childish convictions. In Piaget's framework, children grow out of their so-called "egocentric thinking" such as believing the moon follows them, and "magical thinking" such as believing their toys are alive. However, in real life, adults… Read full this story
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