Demon Possession
Cambridge University Press eBooks May 29, 2026 Christopher C. H. Cook
Possession states are a complex phenomenon with diverse cultural and religious forms, not necessarily linked to psychiatric diagnosis. A case study shows that demonic attributions can serve as negative religious coping, leading to spiritual struggles. Understanding the theological context of spirit possession beliefs is crucial for psychiatric diagnosis when patients belong to faith communities viewing such experiences as spiritually determined. Although possession states are uncommon in the UK, they are prevalent worldwide. Exorcism (or disobsession or spirit release) has been proposed as a controversial psychiatric treatment in some contexts; it can be helpful in appropriate settings but harmful when misapplied to certain diagnoses. This raises questions about collaboration with faith leaders, safeguarding vulnerable individuals, and avoiding pathologizing culturally normative practices.