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Possession as role-taking.
1University of Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden.
Journal of Religion and Health
|November 27, 2013
Summary
This study explores how mythical figures, like the Devil, influence personal experiences of possession by offering recognizable psychological roles. It examines the interplay between emotions, cognition, and religious beliefs in these experiences.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Psychopathology
Background:
- Mythical roles play a significant part in shaping individual psychological experiences.
- The concept of the Devil serves as a potent personification of evil, offering a framework for understanding negative experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the psychological function of mythical roles in the development and continuation of possessional experiences.
- To analyze the interaction between emotional dynamics and cognitive content within religious worldviews.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of a case study.
- Integration of findings with existing research in psychopathology and pastoral psychology.
Main Results:
- Mythical roles, exemplified by the Devil, can be psychologically recognized and internalized.
- Emotional and cognitive elements interact within a religious context to shape possessional experiences.
Conclusions:
- Mythical figures provide psychological structures that facilitate the understanding and integration of profound personal experiences.
- The study highlights the connection between religious beliefs, psychological dynamics, and experiences often on the fringes of psychopathology.
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