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Related Experiment Videos

Demonic attributions in nondelusional disorders.

S Pfeifer1

  • 1Psychiatric Clinic Sonnenhalde, Basel, Switzerland. samuelpfeifer@compuserve.com

Psychopathology
|September 24, 1999
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Belief in demonic influence is common in psychiatric patients, not just those with schizophrenia. These beliefs are influenced by cultural and religious factors, not solely by delusions.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Psychology
  • Sociology of Religion

Background:

  • Belief in demonic influence is often considered a delusion in patients with schizophrenia.
  • Previous research has primarily focused on demonic beliefs within the context of psychotic disorders.
  • The prevalence and function of these beliefs in non-delusional psychiatric populations remain underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the frequency of beliefs in demonic influence among religious psychiatric outpatients.
  • To explore the psychodynamic and social functions of these beliefs in patients without delusions.
  • To differentiate between delusional and non-delusional interpretations of demonic causality in mental distress.

Main Methods:

  • A sample of 343 self-identified religious psychiatric outpatients participated.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Semistructured interviews were conducted to assess patients' views on demonic causality of their illness.
  • Data were analyzed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of demonic beliefs.

    • Main Results:

    • Belief in demonic influence was prevalent in schizophrenic patients (56%) and significantly present in non-delusional groups: affective disorders (29%), anxiety disorders (48%), personality disorders (37%), and adjustment disorders (23%).
    • Belief in demonic oppression was associated with lower educational levels and rural origins.
    • Church affiliation significantly influenced the prevalence of these beliefs.

    Conclusions:

    • Beliefs in demonic influence or possession are not exclusive to delusional disorders.
    • These beliefs should not be dismissed as mere delusions but understood within cultural and religious contexts.
    • Cultural and religious backgrounds significantly shape individual models of mental distress.