Magical Thinking

Even if you don't think you believe in magic, you still do on some level. Thanks to ingrained habits of thought, we see evidence of the supernatural in the everyday: jinxes, lucky charms, premonitions, wish fulfillment, karma. You're not crazy or stupid, just human.

Supernatural Beliefs

Magical Thinking

Why a little magic is good for you.

by Matthew Hutson

Election Superstitions

7 election-time superstitions and why we subscribe to them

by Matthew Hutson in Brainstorm

Global Psyche: Magic Kingdom

In Iceland, the land of elves, you're never alone.

by Elisa Mala

Is "The Secret" Just a Giant Placebo Effect?

The law of attraction sounds ridiculous, but does it work?

by Sonja Lyubomirsky in How of Happiness

The Greatest Magic Trick Ever, Part I

"Free will" is the greatest magic trick ever.

by Matthew Hutson in Brainstorm

Enter Sandman: Nocturnal Cognitions

We look to dreams for premonition and insight.

by Matthew Hutson

See Also

Superstitious Rituals

Of Jock Straps and Conspiracy Theories

Lacking control increases illusory pattern perception.

by Matthew Hutson in Brainstorm

The Neurochemistry of Superstition

Could superstition be making athletes better athletes?

by Steven Kotler in The Playing Field

Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, and Basketball's Placebo Effect

Wearing a sleeve might really be superstition.

by Steven Kotler in The Playing Field

See Also

Magical Thinking Tests

Locus of Control

Are you taking charge of your life?
Paranormal Beliefs

Do you believe in the Supernatural?
More Tests

The Latest on Magical Thinking

Watching Avatar might boost creativity, connectedness, and even spirituality. by Matthew Hutson
What's Wrong with Psychic Detectives Exactly? by Stephen Mason, Ph.D.
The Secret: inviting adults back to childhood since 2006 by Jenna Baddeley
How to avoid an insidious thought error by Alex Lickerman, M.D.
"When someone shows you who they are, believe them." ~ Maya Angelou by Susan Pease Gadoua
Anger management techniques aren't as common sense as they seem. by Steven Stosny
Why are millions now interested in the perennial wisdom? by Alison Rose Levy
Does love really conquer all? by Clay Routledge, Ph.D.
Telepathy and the interbrain. by Digby Tantam
Disney's G-Force elevates guinea pigs to new popularity. Do you want one? by Pamela Rutledge, Ph.D., M.B.A.

Magical Thinking Blogs

  • Chris French, PhD

    Weird Science

    Investigating the psychology of weird experiences
    By Chris French, Ph.D.

Current Issue

Heartbreak and Home Runs: The Power of First Experiences

How early life experiences shape our character.