Fact check: If you think good thoughts will they come true

1. Summary of the results

The statement "if you think good thoughts will they come true" has been analyzed from various perspectives, yielding mixed results. On one hand, some analyses suggest that positive thinking can lead to improved mental health and wellbeing, as seen in the study where participants who underwent a 29-day lecture-training on the Law of Attraction's 28 practices showed a significant increase in their level of gratitude and happiness ^[1]. Additionally, research has found that positive ideation can reduce anxiety and worry in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder ^[2], and that positive thinking can enhance resilience and life satisfaction in older adults ^[3]. However, other analyses argue that there is no empirical evidence to support the claim that thoughts alone can cause outcomes, treating the idea as magical thinking ^[4]. Similarly, some studies emphasize that positive thoughts must be coupled with concrete actions to achieve success, and that there is no scientific proof that merely thinking positively makes things happen ^[5]. The Law of Attraction, which is based on the idea that 'like attracts like', has also been explored, with some research suggesting that it can have both positive and negative effects on mental health ^[6].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several key points are missing from the original statement, including the importance of concrete actions in achieving success, as emphasized by some analyses ^[5]. Additionally, the potential negative effects of the Law of Attraction on mental health, such as increased risk of psychological disorders, are not considered ^[6]. Alternative viewpoints, such as the idea that positive thinking can have correlational benefits for physical health outcomes, are also not accounted for ^[7]. Furthermore, the context of mental health is crucial in understanding the impact of positive thinking, as seen in the study on generalized anxiety disorder ^[2]. The role of overoptimism and risky behavior in manifestation beliefs is also an important consideration, as highlighted by some analyses ^[8].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be misleading in suggesting that thinking good thoughts can automatically make them come true, as this is not supported by empirical evidence ^[4]. The statement may also overlook the importance of concrete actions in achieving success, which is a crucial aspect of manifestation beliefs ^[5]. Additionally, the statement may benefit individuals who promote the Law of Attraction and similar ideas, as it can be used to sell self-help products and services ^[1]. On the other hand, the statement may harm individuals who are vulnerable to magical thinking or who have a history of mental health issues, as it can create unrealistic expectations and promote unhealthy behaviors ^[8]. Overall, a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between positive thinking and outcomes is necessary to avoid misinformation and bias ^[7].