Dealing with Possession in Contemporary Germany

Possession experiences are interpreted through diverse cultural and psychological lenses. Parapsychology approaches them via generalized quantum theory, while fundamentalist Christianity frames them within a dualistic battle between demonic and divine forces for the human soul. Neo-shamanic movements seek ancestral spiritual powers for healing. Medical-psychological diagnosis categorizes trance and possession as dissociative disorders, whereas religion-sensitive psychotherapy considers both harmful and helpful aspects of religious practice. This chapter contrasts these models and their methods for addressing possession in modern Germany.

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Abstract

Abstract Experiences of possession are interpreted differently according to cultural and psychological contexts. Parapsychology attempts to understand the phenomena associated with possession at the level of generalized quantum theory. In fundamentalist Christian circles the human soul is understood within a dualistic framework in which demonic and divine powers are engaged in a constant battle for control. Neo-shamanistic movements seek to employ the spiritual powers of ancestors in healing. Medical-psychological diagnosis describes states of trance and possession as dissociative disorders, but religion-sensitive psychotherapy takes into account both the harmful and the helpful aspects of religious practice. This chapter contrasts these models and their methods for dealing with possession in modern Germany.