Child Life Certification Practice Test 2025 – The Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

The mental state described by a child believing that their actions can influence reality is referred to as magical thinking. This concept is often present in childhood development, where children may think that their thoughts, wishes, or actions can directly alter real-life situations. For example, a child may believe that by wishing hard enough, they can prevent a loved one from getting hurt or even dying.

Magical thinking is a normal part of cognitive development and reflects a child’s imaginative capabilities, where the boundaries between fantasy and reality are not yet well established. This thinking can manifest in various ways, such as believing that a specific behavior or ritual can influence outcomes in their environment.

Cognitive dissonance, absence of reality, and concrete thinking do not accurately capture this phenomenon. Cognitive dissonance refers to the mental discomfort experienced when holding two conflicting beliefs or values. The absence of reality implies a disconnect from the actual world, while concrete thinking signifies a more literal thought process that is focused on tangible and specific details without the influence of abstraction or imagination.