Psychopathology and shamanism in rural Mexico: a case study of spirit possession.
The British journal of medical psychology March 1, 1980 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1111/j.2044-8341.1980.tb02870.x via PubMed
Summary
Juan Jose Fong, a socially marginal Chinese-Mexican with a hysterical personality, experiences mystical possession that reflects his psychological conflicts and emotional struggles. His feelings of guilt, inferiority, and non-acceptance by peers are central to his condition. The motif of spirit possession allows him to cope by preserving self-esteem and social status within his cultural context.
Study at a glance
| Population | socially marginal Chinese-Mexican individual |
|---|---|
| Key finding | The mystical possession experienced by Juan Jose Fong is linked to his psychological conflicts and helps him maintain self-esteem and social status. |
Abstract
The so-called mystical possession of Juan Jose Fong, a socially marginal Chinese-Mexican of hysterical personality is directly related to the subject's psychological conflicts and emotional complexes and familial and social standing within the immediate cultural context. The subject is seen as suffering from conflicting emotions and cognitions centering around guilt, inferiority and non-acceptance by his peer group. The personification of his personal problems in the motif of spirit possessions enables the subject to maintain a measure of self-esteem, social status and personality integration.