Psychologists at Goldsmiths University of London in Lewisham, think magic tricks can boost our wellbeing.

The experts have been studying magic and wellbeing and found a range of positive effects people can get from watching magic tricks.

Dr Gustav Kuhn, Reader in Psychology at Goldsmiths and co-author of the study, said: “Research into magic and wellbeing is still in its early stages but we found enough evidence that suggests magic tricks can have positive effects in a range of different situations, including schools and hospitals, that we want to explore this link further.

“One idea for why magic can have these benefits is that it involves the positive emotion of curiosity and this stimulating of our curiosity may play a role in enhancing emotional and cognitive wellbeing.”

The research studied looks at how magic has been integrated into psychological therapies in street interventions, in hospitals, and in the classroom.

The researchers will present a review of the current research at The Science and Magic Conference held today, August 31, to September 1 at Goldsmiths.

Dr. Khan said: “There are many on-going programmes that use magic to enhance wellbeing, and we believe that teaching children to perform magic can have positive effects on their wellbeing.

“Our new model of magic and wellbeing will help evaluate and foster this new approach.”