Dissociation : Vol. 6, No. 4, p. 201-212 : Possession: interdisciplinary roots
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Date
1993-12
Authors
Begelman, D. A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ridgeview Institute and the International Society for the Study of Dissociation
Abstract
Possession states have a remarkably broad transcultural distribution, and mirror the influence of a range of social variables. Encompassing a variety of individual patterns, as a class they virtually confound attempts at "reduction" to pathological conditions or forms of dissociation like multiple personality disorder. Paradoxes exist in both the naturalistic and supernaturalistic approaches to possession. Commentators in both traditions may misconceive the nature of the connection between explanatory schema and treatment packages, while contemporary exorcists may underestimate trends of skepticism about their practices evident in honored theological traditions. Exorcisms are not precluded on "scientific " grounds. Treatment strategies for culture-bound syndromes may have to accommodate to the meanings those who experience them attribute to their plights.
Description
p. 201-212