Beyond dissociative disorders: A qualitative study of Polish catholic women reporting demonic possession

Abstract

There is a gap in research exploring the experiences and explanatory models of people labelled in local communities as possessed. While previous accounts often focused on the links between possession and dissociative disorders or psychosis, the current study elaborates on problems attributed to possession in women with features of personality disorders. Participants were eight Polish Roman Catholic women who had frequented deliverance ministries or individual exorcisms because they were perceived as suffering from malignant possession. Following clinical assessment, video-recorded in-depth interviews about possession experiences were transcribed and subjected to interpretative phenomenological analysis. Participants talked about: (1) Difficulties with expressing emotions and needs; (2) Aversion to the church and its people; (3) Casting spirits out; and (4) Negotiating explanatory models and seeking help. Data shows that the notion of possession can justify unaccepted conflicts and impulses associated with anger, sexuality, and attachment needs in women with personality disorders. Endorsement of, and identification with this belief can prevent people from taking ownership of emotions and using professional treatment. Alongside spiritual counselling, priests involved should have a basic understanding of mental disorders and encourage the use of clinical consultations.