A reappraisal of Teresa of Avila's supposed hysteria.
Journal of Religion and Health December 1, 1985 DOI: 10.1007/BF01533012 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Altered states of consciousness Mysticism Philosophy of mind Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Spirituality Spiritual experiences Religious ecstasy Divine encounters Spiritual journey Higher consciousness Transpersonal awareness Transpersonal psychology Stanislav grof Perinatal psychology Spiritual emergence Psychological integration LSD-Assisted Psychotherapy Psychedelic research Entheogens Teresa of avila Christian mystics Religious figures Historical figures Spiritual biography Medical reinterpretation Misdiagnosis Historical medicine Psychological re-assessment Diagnostic shifts Re-evaluation |
| Citations | 18 |
| Key points | Argues that Teresa's seizures are perinatal symptoms representing progressive movement toward higher states of consciousness, not degenerative psychopathology. |
Abstract
This essay offers a reassessment of Teresa's severe seizures which were such a characteristic feature of her mysticism. The diagnosis of hysteria is no longer viable, at the very least given its abandonment by clinicians. An alternative analysis is developed by phenomenologically comparing Teresa's seizures to parallel experiences of subjects in LSD-assisted psychotherapy. Using Stanislav Grof's categories, it is argued that Teresa's seizures are perinatal symptoms. As such, they represent the emergence and reintegration of extremely primitive psychological systems and might be described as the growing pains of transpersonal consciousness. They reflect not degenerative psychopathology but progressive movement toward higher states of consciousness.