The bogeyman cometh: a strategic approach for difficult adolescents

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Anthropology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Unpredictable events can alter reality perception, leading to behavioral changes.
• Mythical forces are sometimes invoked to deliberately alter perception.
• Traditional therapeutic approaches may be ineffective for certain adolescents.

Observation:

• Anthropological studies of shamanic magic reveal key components of reality-altering experiences.
• These components can be adapted for therapeutic interventions.
• Shamanic practices offer insights into inducing altered states of consciousness.

Findings:

• Shamanic magic techniques can be employed to create reality-altering experiences in adolescents.
• These induced experiences facilitate systemic changes in the adolescent's perception.
• Adolescents become more accessible to conventional treatments and adult interactions post-experience.

Implications:

• This approach offers a novel therapeutic avenue for "difficult adolescents".
• The findings suggest potential for integrating anthropological insights into clinical psychology.
• Ethical considerations are crucial when employing reality-altering techniques in therapy.