Does magical thinking produce neutralising behaviour? An experimental investigation
Laura Bocci1, P Kenneth Gordon
1University of Southampton, UK. laura.bocci@awp.nhs.uk
Behaviour Research and Therapy
|April 4, 2007
Summary
Magical thinking may influence neutralising behaviors in response to harm-related fears, even in individuals without obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). This study found neutralising behaviors were linked to magical ideation, suggesting a broader cognitive process.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Magical thinking is relevant to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), particularly thought-action fusion (TAF).
- TAF is implicated in the development of fears regarding responsibility for harm.
- Neutralising behaviors are a hallmark of OCD, often arising in response to these fears.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between neutralising behaviors and magical thinking.
- To assess if neutralising behaviors in response to harm-related fears are associated with a propensity for magical thinking.
Main Methods:
- An experimental study involving 51 undergraduate students.
- Induction of fears related to the likelihood of harm.
- Assessment of neutralising behaviors and magical ideation using questionnaires.
Main Results:
- 75.5% of participants exhibited neutralising behaviors after a TAF-induction task.
- Neutralising behaviors were associated with stronger, more persistent task responses and higher magical ideation scores.
- Individuals who neutralised did not report increased OCD symptom levels.
Conclusions:
- Neutralising behaviors are a common response when individuals feel responsible for harm.
- The occurrence of neutralising behaviors may be linked to magical thinking.
- This association between neutralising and magical thinking may not be exclusive to OCD.
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