Fears as a determinant of “magic thinking” in adolescents

Introduction. Currently, the problem of magical thinking is considered as an insufficiently studied problem, and the available studies are contradictory: the theoretical and methodological base has not been fully developed and diagnostic methods have been substantiated. The relationship of fear with the formation and manifestations of magical thinking in adolescence has been noted by many scientists both in the context of the evolutionary development of the psyche and the individual development of the personality in ontogenesis. The modern teenager lives in special conditions of social changes and upheavals, and is also under the influence of mass culture, which determines the obvious relevance of the study of this problem.

Materials and Methods. Theoretical research methods: analysis of psychological and pedagogical literature, modern scientific research and empirical data. Empirical research methods: psychodiagnostic methods, author’s questionnaire. The method of mathematical processing of the research results was used.

Results. It has been studied that the most common fears among adolescents are phobias, social and educational fears, fear of activity and life. The relationship between levels of fear and types of magical thinking showed the largest number of significant correlation coefficients with mystical, social and natural fears. The largest number of significant correlation coefficients was identified with such types of magical thinking as traditional belief, superstition, belief in witchcraft, life after death, exorcism, the energy of stones and talismans, curses, the power of thought and desire.

Discussion and Conclusions. The main aspects of magical thinking, most often associated with fears, are those that can give a person a sense of confidence, reduce anxiety – all kinds of ways to prevent the influence of chance – protection from curses with the help of magic, observance of signs and customs, various talismans that protect from troubles. it can be concluded that adolescents prone to anxiety and fear, as well as those who are more susceptible to the influence of circumstances beyond their control (various catastrophes, outbursts, etc.) have a commitment to those types of magical thinking that can give them a sense of confidence and reduce fear of the future and unknown dangers.

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