Abstract
Magical thinking is a primitve form of mental activity which, nevertheless, the author contends, is common among mental health professionals. Four examples of magical thinking by inpatient staff members are presented and briefly explored, in order to shed light on our work and ourselves.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Linn L: Clinical manifestations of psychiatric disorders. In Friedman AM, Kaplan HI, Sadock BJ (eds):Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry, vol. 1, 2nd edition, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 1975, pp. 783–826.
Nemiah JC: Obsessive-compulsive neurosis. In Friedman AM, Kaplan HI, Sadock BJ (eds.):Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry, vol. 1, 2nd edition, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 1975, pp. 1241–1255.
Pines A, Maslach C: Characteristics of staff burnout in mental health settings.Hosp & Comm Psychiat 29233–237, 1978.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Pilette, W.L. Magical thinking by inpatient staff members. Psych Quart 55, 272–274 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01074554
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01074554