The Secret to Success? The Psychology of Belief in Manifestation

We explored the psychology of those who believe in manifestation: the ability to cosmically attract success in life through positive self-talk, visualization, and symbolic actions (e.g., acting as if something is true). In three studies (collective N = 1,023), we developed a reliable and valid measure-the Manifestation Scale-and found over one third of participants endorsed manifestation beliefs. Those who scored higher on the scale perceived themselves as more successful, had stronger aspirations for success, and believed they were more likely to achieve future success. They were also more likely to be drawn to risky investments, have experienced bankruptcy, and to believe they could achieve an unlikely level of success more quickly. We discuss the potential positives and negatives of this belief system in the context of growing public desire for success and an industry that capitalizes on these desires.

Automated summary

In this study, we investigated the psychology of those who believe in manifestation, which is the belief that one can attract success in life through positive self-talk, visualization, and symbolic actions. Through three studies involving a total of 1,023 participants, we developed a reliable and valid measure called the Manifestation Scale and found that over one third of participants endorsed manifestation beliefs. Those who scored higher on the scale perceived themselves as more successful, had stronger aspirations for success, and believed they were more likely to achieve future success. They were also more likely to engage in risky investments, have experienced bankruptcy, and believe in achieving unlikely success quickly. We discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of this belief system in the context of a growing public desire for success and an industry that capitalizes on these desires.