In this chapter the author compares her views of Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) and Spirit Possession, and then talks about how she see them overlap in the patient, Yolanda, presented by Dr. Itkzowitz. Both MPD the diagnosis and Spirit Possession as a widespread cultural tradition, challenge the Western definition of the self as highly bounded, individual, and autonomous. The author shows...
Historical connections are suggested between the domination of 1 culture by another and dissociative spiritual and religious responses to that oppression. Connections are drawn between colonial oppression, trauma, and 3 examples of dissociation and spirit possession: the Zar cult of Southern Sudan, "Puerto Rican syndrome" or ataque, and the Balinese trance dance. Discussed by means of these...