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Related Experiment Videos

Multiple personality and spirit possession

M G Kenny

    Psychiatry
    |November 1, 1981
    PubMed
    Summary

    Multiple personality and spirit possession phenomena are explored through an anthropological lens. Cultural factors and theoretical shifts influenced the perception and reporting of these conditions over time.

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    Area of Science:

    • Psychology
    • Anthropology
    • Cultural Psychiatry

    Background:

    • Multiple personality disorder (MPD) is often viewed as occult, yet resembles widespread spirit possession phenomena.
    • Anthropological perspective questions why MPD is rare, not its existence.

    Observation:

    • The essay traces the intellectual history of the relationship between MPD and possession.
    • Examines how Western psychological theories initially accommodated possession.
    • Analyzes cases where possession was literally interpreted in MPD.

    Findings:

    • Belief in possession influenced the understanding and reporting of MPD.
    • As belief in possession waned, so did interest and reported cases of MPD.
    • Cultural and social factors shape self-perception and ego boundaries.

    Implications:

    • Understanding cultural influences is crucial for interpreting psychological phenomena.
    • Theoretical frameworks can shape the reality they aim to explain.
    • Further research into the cultural context of dissociative disorders is warranted.

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