Mental illness complicated by the santeria belief in spirit possession.
Hospital & community psychiatry November 1, 1988 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1176/ps.39.11.1188 via PubMed
Summary
Santeria, a religion blending African and Catholic beliefs, is practiced by many Cuban Americans and includes a belief in spirit possession. This article describes basic Santeria beliefs and rituals, such as the fiesta santera where possession may occur, and presents four cases where patients' belief in possession influenced their mental illness. The belief can complicate diagnosis and treatment but should not be seen as a culture-bound syndrome; instead, it may be a nonspecific symptom of various mental illnesses and should be assessed within the patient's overall belief system and daily functioning.
Study at a glance
| Design | case study |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 4 |
| Population | Cuban American patients with mental illness who believe in Santeria spirit possession |
| Key finding | Belief in spirit possession in Santeria can complicate the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness but should be considered a nonspecific symptom rather than a culture-bound syndrome. |
Abstract
Santeria, a religious system that blends African and Catholic beliefs, is practiced by many Cuban Americans. One aspect of this system is the belief in spirit possession. Basic santeria beliefs and rituals, including the fiesta santera (a gathering at which some participants may become possessed), are briefly described, and four cases in which the patients' belief in possession played a role in their mental illness are presented. The belief in possession can complicate the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, but it should not be considered a culture-bound syndrome. Rather, it may be a nonspecific symptom of a variety of mental illnesses and should be evaluated in the context of the patient's overall belief system and ability to carry out usual activities.