Shamanism: psychopathology and psychotherapy
Ari Brouwer, Michael J. Winkelman, C. Raison
Religion, Brain & Behavior November 24, 2023 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1080/2153599x.2023.2258212 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
Shamanism, a cross-cultural practice, reflects an innate capacity for altered states of consciousness (ASC) that can be triggered by stress, sought in rituals, and resemble psychotic experiences such as shamanic sickness, animal transformation, and death-rebirth. While triggers for shamanic and psychotic experiences overlap, psychotic episodes worsen under uncontrollable circumstances, whereas shamanic sickness improves through ritualized, controlled ASC engagement. Culturally accepted shamanic vocation does not lead to dysfunction but enhances functional capacity as healer and guide. Shamanic training methods may inform strategies for promoting mental well-being.
Study at a glance
| Design | review |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Shamanic experiences resemble psychotic experiences, but controlled ritual engagement prevents deterioration and enhances functioning, unlike uncontrollable psychotic episodes. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT The cross-cultural practice of shamanism reflects an innate capacity for altered states of consciousness (ASC’s) that are elicited by stress, deliberately sought in shamanic rituals, and associated with psychopathology. Shamanic sickness, animal transformation, and death-rebirth experiences specifically resemble psychotic experiences. The triggers of shamanic and psychotic experiences are also related, but while psychotic experiences endure and intensify under uncontrollable circumstances, shamanic sickness is ameliorated by ritualized and controlled engagement of ASC. Shamanic vocation, when and where it is culturally accepted, does not lead to progressive deterioration or dysfunction but rather to an increased functional capacity as expert healer, teacher, and ritual guide. Shamanic training methods, or other controlled and ritual methods of engaging ASC, may inform strategies for promoting mental well-being.