Wishful thinking: what it is and how 'wishful thinking' affects us

Most of the time wishes are subordinated to reality. It is impossible to think that it is sunny -no matter how much we long for it- when we are walking in the rain. However, wishful thinking theory suggests that when we stand up for an idea that we believe in, the boundaries of reality begin to disappear.

People cannot believe the most implausible simply because they want to. Wishful thinking, wishful thinking in English, refers to the type of thinking that uses emotions and decides based on of which it would be nicer to imagine rather than use evidence or rationality as the basis for determining actions or opinions.

In this article we explain what is wishful thinking, its foundations, as well as its main consequences when making decisions.

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What is wishful thinking?

It is said that human beings are rational beings; however, when deciding or forming opinions, a multitude of cognitive biases operate.

Wishful thinking refers, in psychology, to the process of elaborating opinions and making decisions.

using desires and emotions, rather than relying on facts or using rationality. Wishful thinking is based on emotions and is the product of the conflict between desire and reality.

Research suggests that in the event that the situation remains static, people have a tendency to imagine a positive resolution of events; this is known as optimistic bias. Otherwise, for example, if some kind of threat or negative event occurs, the reverse situation occurs and people tend to imagine a negative resolution of the situation.

In the case of wishful thinking, the subject only contemplates the arguments and events that support her opinion, fails to observe the contrary evidence. Consequently, this type of decision-making process is considered to be based primarily on emotions.

However, even if it lacks rationality, favorable consequences can sometimes be derived from this cognitive bias. The one known as "pygmalion effect” describes how wishful thinking can positively influence decision making, and help get better results.

Forming accurate opinions based on evidence or rationality is a fundamental process when deciding, whether we talk about politics or business strategy or any type of interaction that involves negotiate.

As Melnikoff asks in his article on motivation bias: When a lawyer defends his client or when a manager defends a new business strategy, are they bound by reality? Or does the objective make reality more easily distorted?

A concrete example of wishful thinking could be the predictions of the Tarot. A person encouraged by a positive spread of cards, in which he is told that he is about to cross paths with the love of her life, might suggesting yourself in different ways to make this happen, going out more than usual, being nicer to people you know etc Although this does not mean that the relationship will turn out well, if we can observe the effect on behavior that wishful thinking can produce.

The wishful thinking process suggests that when deciding, people will only value options that produce a positive outcome. At the same time, those possibilities in which the consequences are negative will be denied or will not be processed.

For that reason, wishful thinking is considered a form of bias and an inappropriate process in guiding our behavior. This also implies a logical fallacy, in which it is believed that something will be true simply by wishing it.

As we can see, numerous studies suggest that beliefs can be distorted if we have pre-established objectives, although the theories current affirm that what is known as motivated bias, that is to say the beliefs imposed by our desires, disappear when reality is firm.

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Fundamentals of wishful thinking

Behind wishful thinking lies imagination and desire, where evidence and reality are ignored to meet pre-established objectives or obtain the desired result.

Imagination is a human capacity that allows us to create or draw situations that are not real, that is, to make a representation in the absence of existing objects or situations. Although this capacity is not negative per se, since it is not only the foundation of artistic creation, but also in the context of Decision making can help us, for example, by allowing us to imagine possible scenarios and anticipate outcomes in different contexts. However, in wishful thinking, Not only is the imagination used, but the force of objective desire obviates reality and the different evidences, which can lead to a series of unnecessary risks.

It is in this process of denial where illusion intervenes above all. This manifests itself as a wrong interpretation of an event, but it is not without a relationship with reality. An example that demonstrates this correlation is mirages: a person dying of thirst in the desert will see an oasis of water. The desire, or in this case the need for water, will make us see the oasis.

Illusions, in some cases, are difficult to recognize, since they can take the form of reality. If we analyze it, when we buy the lottery we have a ticket. For this reason, it is important when deciding and making decisions or setting objectives, to be as realistic as possible and have the greatest amount of evidence. An excess of wishful thinking can lead to frustration and discouragement; on the contrary, a series of realistic goals will allow us to maintain motivation and, in the long run, a better self-esteem.

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Consequences of wishful thinking

The wishful thinking process implies denying evidence and rationality, therefore, it lacks objectivity. This most times leads to making wrong decisions and with negative consequences for the subject.

There are different pseudosciences that are based on wishful thinking and the power of the mind as a method to achieve our goals. He Placebo effect It could also be a kind of wishful thinking, the positive effect of which is proven. However, the negative side of thinking this way could keep us from going to the doctor or not we undergo a necessary treatment, because we think that we can be cured only with the desire to do it.

Another case of wishful thinking would have to do with our true capabilities. Let's imagine a person who wants to be a great soloist and spends hours and hours imagining his performances and how he receives a standing ovation from the audience at the end of the show. However, when it comes down to it, he dedicates very few hours to what would really make him a better pianist, rehearsing.

As we can see, this type of thinking can have negative consequences for self-esteem in the long run; since only with imagination and desire will the person never achieve his objectives and goals. A realistic thought would imply analyzing what real skills are available and how many hours and years of study are needed to become a great piano professional.

But, why does our mind deceive us? Why is it due to irrational thoughts and cognitive biases? Apparently, the explanation would be in evolution; our brain when making decisions cannot take into account all the necessary parameters. This way of acting was very beneficial for our ancestors, since they lived surrounded by external threats and it was important to quickly activate the escape mechanisms.

However, we no longer live in an environment to which we have to continually adapt. And this way of thinking more than helping us seems to limit us when it comes to making certain informed decisions; opting for our desires, instead of reality.

In conclusion, wishful thinking is based on imagination and desire, and although it may be positive in some specific case, as in the case of the "Pygmalion effect", in the long run this process of decision and formation of beliefs affects our self-esteem and self-concept. Making decisions based on emotion and imagination, without taking reality into account, can cause frustration and other unpleasant feelings.