“The Secret” to Success? The Psychology of Belief in Manifestation

Abstract

These symbolic actions transmit the “energy” or “vibration” of wealth, which is returned to them, materially, by the higher power ( [Atkinson, 1906](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/01461672231181162#bibr2-01461672231181162); [Byrne, 2006](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/01461672231181162#bibr5-01461672231181162)). Manifestation belief has its roots in cultural movements of the late 19th century. Medicine and psychiatry tended toward psychosomatic explanations for illness, such as hostile impulses causing hypertension or attachm You can change your preferences or withdraw your consent at any time by returning to this site and clicking the "Privacy" button at the bottom of the webpage. - [Sociocultural Roots of Manifestation](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/01461672231181162#sec-2) - [Manifestation, Magical Thinking, and Success](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/01461672231181162#sec-3) - [Declaration of Conflicting Interests](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/01461672231181162#conflict) 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).