What type of thinking does a child display when they believe their costume will not scare anyone?

The child in this scenario is exhibiting wishful thinking. This type of thinking occurs when someone holds a belief or hopes for an outcome that may not be grounded in reality. In this case, the child desires or wishes for their costume to not scare anyone, reflecting a hopeful perspective rather than an objective assessment of the costume's appearance or how it might be perceived by others.

Wishful thinking often involves a degree of optimism and denial, which indicates that the child may not fully consider how other individuals might react to the costume. The desire for a specific outcome—non-scares in this situation—overrides a realistic appraisal of the situation. Hence, the child's belief is a clear example of wishful thinking.