Magical Thinking

What is Magical Realism in Film and TV (Definition and Examples)

10 Preoperational Stage Examples (2026)

Magical thinking is common and often harmless – but it can be problematic, too

Some people think “magical thinking” means being whimsical or imaginative. But in OCD, it feels nothing like magic. It feels like responsibility, fear, and hypervigilance disguised as logic. Magical thinking OCD happens when part of your brain insists: • “If I don’t do this ritual, something bad will happen.” • “If I think a scary thought, it might make it real.” • “If I say this phrase, I’ll keep my family safe.” • “If I don’t check this four times, the worst will come true.” To others, it does

The Seven Principles of Magical Thinking