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Harry Potter reveals our need for spirituality
Last updated at 19:43pm on 4th September 2006 by Daily Mail
© 2006 Associated Newspapers Ltd
Children become attached to comfort blankets and specific toys because of a "Harry Potter effect" - an inbuilt belief in magic and spirituality - scientists said today.
Researchers claim belief in magic is hardwired into the brain from birth.
"Magical beliefs help us connect with those we love or hate," said Professor Bruce Hood of the University of Bristol, who led the research. "In babies we believe this effect is strong, but in many adults it is as well. A lot of people believe in the supernatural - that is exactly the same effect."
In a study of more than 200 pre-school children, it was found that they paid great attention to magic tricks. "It is almost as if their brain is being trained to believe the unbelievable," Professor Hood told the British Association Festival of Science in Norwich.
He said attachment to objects is part of the same type of behaviour. "The brains of even young babies not only organise sensory information but supply what is missing and generate theories about the world."
In the case of comfort blankets, their brain believes that while a parent is not available, a blanket or other object can have the same emotional traits, effectively becoming a replacement.
Harry Potter reveals our need for spirituality
Last updated at 19:43pm on 4th September 2006 by Daily Mail
© 2006 Associated Newspapers Ltd
Children become attached to comfort blankets and specific toys because of a "Harry Potter effect" - an inbuilt belief in magic and spirituality - scientists said today.
Researchers claim belief in magic is hardwired into the brain from birth.
"Magical beliefs help us connect with those we love or hate," said Professor Bruce Hood of the University of Bristol, who led the research. "In babies we believe this effect is strong, but in many adults it is as well. A lot of people believe in the supernatural - that is exactly the same effect."
In a study of more than 200 pre-school children, it was found that they paid great attention to magic tricks. "It is almost as if their brain is being trained to believe the unbelievable," Professor Hood told the British Association Festival of Science in Norwich.
He said attachment to objects is part of the same type of behaviour. "The brains of even young babies not only organise sensory information but supply what is missing and generate theories about the world."
In the case of comfort blankets, their brain believes that while a parent is not available, a blanket or other object can have the same emotional traits, effectively becoming a replacement.
