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  1. What Is Magical Thinking? Effects of Cognitive Distortion - GoodRx

    Aug 17, 2022 · Magical thinking is considered a cognitive distortion because it’s not based in fact. For example, there’s no scientific proof that wishing for something will make it come true.

  2. Magical Thinking: Understanding and Overcoming Cognitive Distortion

    Jan 14, 2025 · Magical thinking is more than just a quirky habit or a harmless superstition. It’s a cognitive distortion that can profoundly impact our decision-making processes and overall …

  3. When Magical Thinking Doesn’t Magically Get You What You Want

    By definition, magical thinking is a type of cognitive distortion, or inaccurate thought pattern, in which individuals believe that their thoughts or actions will directly influence and produce a …

  4. Wishing Doesn’t Make It So - Psychology Today

    Sep 2, 2025 · Magical thinking is a cognitive distortion. It refers to the illogical belief that certain of our thoughts, rituals, or actions can influence external events, without any evidence or...

  5. Cognitive Distortions: 15 Examples & Worksheets (PDF)

    Dec 24, 2025 · Cognitive distortions fuel mental health issues like depression. Beck and Burns pioneered CBT to tackle distorted thinking. With effort and practice, thoughts can be reframed …

  6. The Psychology of Magical Thinking - Psych Central

    Apr 16, 2022 · Someone may believe that performing an action can stop a certain event. What makes the thinking “magical” is that the two elements — the action and the event — have no …

  7. What is Magical Thinking? | Causes, types, signs & overcoming

    Nov 27, 2023 · Magical thinking is a type of thinking pattern known as cognitive distortion, and most often involves a belief that thoughts or actions can cause or prevent harm to the person …

  8. Magical thinking: The belief that thoughts, actions, or emotions influence unrelated situations. "If I hadn't hoped something bad would happen to him, he wouldn't have gotten into an accident."

  9. Magical Thinking: Definition, Causes, & Concerns - Choosing …

    Jan 17, 2024 · Certain mental health disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, and schizophrenia, involve thought disturbances and cognitive distortions, such as …

  10. What is magical thinking (and how is it related to anxiety)?

    Aug 6, 2025 · Magical thinking is the belief that your thoughts, actions, or words can influence outcomes in ways that aren’t logically connected.