In search of realistic optimism. Meaning, knowledge, and warm fuzziness

S L Schneider1

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620-8200, USA. sandra@chuma.cas.usf.edu

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This approach...
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Magical thinking encompasses the belief in assumptions that defy logical reasoning yet appear intuitively convincing. It is a common psychological phenomenon that persists across various cultural and individual contexts. While these assumptions contradict empirical evidence and scientific laws, they often serve meaningful psychological roles in promoting emotional resilience and a sense of control, especially under stress or uncertainty.Thought-Action Fusion and the Law of SimilarityA key...