illusion of control

a false belief that external events result from or are governed by one’s own actions or choices. A sports fan who wears the same “lucky” shirt for each home game in order to give his or her team an edge provides an example. See positive illusion. [coined in 1975 by U.S. social and clinical psychologist Ellen Langer (1947– )]

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Psychology term of the day

October 31st 2024

Topamax

n. a trade name for topiramate.