Altered States of Consciousness and Mental Health A Cross-Cultural Perspective

by Colleen Ward

• ISBN13: 9780803932777
• ISBN10: 0803932774
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1989-10-01
• Publisher: Sage Publications

Summary

This volume presents various perspectives on altered states of consciousness and mental health and places them within the boundaries of cross-cultural psychology. Part One considers theoretical and methodological issues in the study of altered states of consciousness; Parts Two and Three link altered states of consciousness and mental health by focusing on both its therapeutic and pathological aspects. The final section concentrates on models highlighting a variety of paradigms and diverse methodological approaches.

Table of Contents

PART ONE: ALTERED STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS AND MENTAL HEALTH: THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES - Colleen A Ward

The Cross-cultural Study of Altered States of Consciousness and Mental Health - Michael Lambek

From Disease to Discourse

Remarks on the Conceptualization of Trance and Spirit Possession

PART TWO: ALTERED STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS AND PSYCHOPATHOLOGY - Simon Kemp

`Ravished of a Fiend'

Demonology and Medieval Madness - C R Chandra Shekar

Possession Syndrome in India - Nicholas P Spanos

Hypnosis, Demonic Possession and Multiple Personality

Strategic Enactments and Disavowals of Responsibility for Actions - Colleen A Ward

Possession and Exorcism - Psychopathology and Psychotherapy in a Magico-Religious Context

PART THREE: THERAPEUTIC ASPECTS OF ALTERED STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS - J P Valla and Raymond Prince

Religious Experiences as Self-Healing Mechanisms - Wolfgang Jilek

Therapeutic Use of Altered States of Consciousness in Contemporary North American Indian Dance Ceremonials - Stanley Krippner

A Call to Heal

Entry Patterns in Brazilian Mediumship - Richard Katz

Healing and Transformation

Perspectives on Development, Education and Community

PART FOUR: ALTERNATIVE PERSPECTIVES ON ALTERED STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS - Leonard Zusne

Altered States of Consciousness, Magical Thinking and Psychopathology

The Case of Ludwig Staudenmaier - Raymond L M Lee

Self Presentation in Malaysian Spirit Seances

A Dramaturgical Perspective on Altered States of Consciousness in Healing Ceremonies - Paul Stoller

Stressing Social Change and Songhay Possession - Marlene Dobkin de Rios

Power and Hallucinogenic States of Consciousness Among the Moche

An Ancient Peruvian Society