MAGIC THINKING AND SELF-DEVELOPMENT

Based on a historical survey of the term ''magic thinking'' structural aspects of primary process and prelogical thinking will be elucidated . Developmental necessities for the emergence of magic interpretations in children of pre-school age are proposed. The thesis will be formul ated, that magic interpretations may help the developing self in the m anagement of life-circumstances during a period of cognitive egocentri sm: feelings of non-competence may be compensated, and the locus of co ntrol may be held in the face of experiences of inferiority.