The initiation ritual as a model for oncology counseling.
Journal of religion and health December 1, 1987 DOI: 10.1007/bf01533882 via PubMed
Summary
An initiation ritual from primitive societies, as described by Mircea Eliade, can serve as a model for counseling cancer patients, providing meaning and structure to patient-counselor interactions. In this framework, the patient's encounter with death, whether feared or actualized, can become a catalyst for personal growth at any stage of the disease. Case examples illustrate the model's practical application, and comparisons are drawn between the stages and components of the initiation ritual and other consciousness-altering techniques.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | The initiation ritual can be used as a model for counseling cancer patients, turning the encounter with death into an impetus for personal growth. |
Abstract
This article examines the use of the initiation ritual of primitive people, described in the works of Mircea Eliade, as a model for counseling cancer patients, giving both meaning and structure to the interactions between patient and counselor. Within this model the patient's encounter with death, whether feared or actualized, can be used as impetus toward personal growth, whatever the stage of the person's disease process. Case examples are given to illustrate how the model can be used in practice. Comparison is also made between stages and components of the initiation ritual and other techniques used to alter a person's consciousness.